Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity Than he who is perverse in speech and is a fool.
2
Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge, And he who hurries his footsteps errs.
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The foolishness of man ruins his way, And his heart rages against the LORD.
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Wealth adds many friends, But a poor man is separated from his friend.
Proverbs 19:1 — Frequently Asked Questions
7 questions
What does Proverbs 19:1 say?
Proverbs 19:1 in the NASB reads: “Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity Than he who is perverse in speech and is a fool.”
Where is Proverbs 19:1 in the Bible?
Proverbs 19:1 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Proverbs, chapter 19, verse 1.
Who wrote Proverbs?
Proverbs is traditionally attributed to Solomon (primarily), with sections by Agur and Lemuel. It was written c. 970–700 BC.
What is the book of Proverbs about?
Proverbs is practical wisdom for everyday life — short, vivid sayings on speech, work, money, friendship, sex, parenting, and the fear of the LORD. It teaches that wisdom is not mere cleverness but a way of walking with God in a complicated world.
What are the major themes of Proverbs?
Proverbs explores themes including Wisdom, Folly, Fear of the LORD, Discipline, Speech, Diligence. These themes shape the meaning and context of Proverbs 19:1.
What translation should I read Proverbs 19:1 in?
Proverbs 19:1 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Proverbs 19:1?
Proverbs 19:1 reads (NASB): “Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity Than he who is perverse in speech and is a fool.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.