Proverbs 19:1 (KJV) “Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.”
In ancient Israel, wealth was often viewed as a sign of God’s blessing, while poverty could be seen as misfortune. This is also true of our generation today, especially in some denominational circles. Yet the writer of the Book of Proverbs repeatedly challenges this cultural assumption by elevating “character” above “possessions”. Proverbs 15:16 says, “Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith” (KJV). Similarly, Proverbs 28:6 says, “Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich” (KJV). This teaching is not intended to downplay the importance of financial and material prosperity; it is intended to show what is more valuable in God’s eyes. Poverty with righteousness is preferred over wealth with wickedness. In God’s sight, character outweighs possessions. The LORD God measures life by righteousness, not riches.
Now, “integrity” must be one of our core values. Integrity means wholeness, honesty, and consistency in character; it is living true before God and people. A person of integrity is the same in private and public. With a man of integrity, there’s no “double life” or split between words and actions. Integrity means “living without cracks in your character”. To lack integrity is to be double-tongued, dishonest, unreliable. A poor person who refuses to cheat in business honours God more than a rich person who lies to customers. The poor man may lack wealth, but he has what God values, that is, integrity. Beloved, God wants us to value integrity over wealth. Honesty and integrity give DIGNITY greater than that of a corrupt but wealthy person.
Written by: Pastor Andrew A. Esemudje