Proverbs 28:6

6 Better to be poor and honest than rich and dishonest.

Proverbs 28:6 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 28:6

Better [is] the poor that walketh in his uprightness
(See Gill on Proverbs 19:1); than [he that is] perverse [in his] ways, though he [be] rich;
or, "in [his] two ways" ^F3: that halts between two ways, or makes use of both; sometimes turns to the one, to the right hand, and sometimes to the other, to the left hand; or that pretends to the one, and walks in the other; would be thought to be a virtuous and religious man, and to walk in the paths of righteousness and truth, when he walks in those of sin and wickedness. And now a poor man that walks evenly and uprightly, according to the word of God and truth of the Gospel, in the commandments and ordinances of the Lord, and in the paths of faith and holiness, is better than he; more honourable, more comfortable, and happy in life and in death; he has grace now, and will have glory hereafter.

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FOOTNOTES:

F3 (Mykrd) Heb. "duabus viis", Piscator, Cocceius; "pervertens duas vias", Baynus; "duplici via", Michaelis; "gemina via", Schultens, so Ben Melech.

Proverbs 28:6 In-Context

4 If you have no regard for the law, you are on the side of the wicked; but if you obey it, you are against them.

5 Evil people do not know what justice is, but those who worship the Lord understand it well.

6 Better to be poor and honest than rich and dishonest.

7 Young people who obey the law are intelligent. Those who make friends with good-for-nothings are a disgrace to their parents.

8 If you get rich by charging interest and taking advantage of people, your wealth will go to someone who is kind to the poor.