A poor man with integrity is better than a rich man whose wealth is crooked.
There is a direct comparison in Proverbs 28:6, weighing character against wealth: Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is crooked though he be rich (v. 6).
Better is the poor who walks in his integrity. The poor man without resources, without leverage, without comfortable retirement, walking with integrity, is better in the LORD's accounting than the alternative.
Than he who is crooked though he be rich. The man who has gathered wealth through crooked dealing has the appearance of prosperity. He has houses, servants, and standing. The verse calls him the worse man. His integrity, not his portfolio, is the proper measure. This can be compared to Proverbs 16:8, "Better is a little with righteousness than great income with injustice." The wise reader is to keep his eyes on the right scoreboard.
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Proverbs 28:6 meaning
There is a direct comparison in Proverbs 28:6, weighing character against wealth: Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is crooked though he be rich (v. 6).
Better is the poor who walks in his integrity. The poor man without resources, without leverage, without comfortable retirement, walking with integrity, is better in the LORD's accounting than the alternative.
Than he who is crooked though he be rich. The man who has gathered wealth through crooked dealing has the appearance of prosperity. He has houses, servants, and standing. The verse calls him the worse man. His integrity, not his portfolio, is the proper measure. This can be compared to Proverbs 16:8, "Better is a little with righteousness than great income with injustice." The wise reader is to keep his eyes on the right scoreboard.