"Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity, than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool."
There is so much that we desire in this life. A lot has been promised to us by this world. The american dream is that we all have an opportunity to pursue "life, liberty, and happiness." However, being fallen people who are affected by sin, our desires aren't naturally for the things of God. So, we often seek the "happiness" referred to in our nation's founding documents through things that are not of God's Kingdom. When we pursue things out of a desire for things of the world we don't often pursue them with integrity. This is where this proverb comes into play.
It is better to be a poor person with integrity than to be crooked in speech trying to seek the things of the world. The temptation is very real for me. When I set my mind on something I want, often I make foolish decisions in trying to gain it. This is a symptom of seeking things that are not of God's kingdom. When you seek the things of God you usually desire to do it God's way, but when you seek the things of the world, you usually do it the worldly way. This is when you find yourself crooked in your speech and acting like a fool. So, pay attention to the way you are pursuing things and there is a good chance you'll find out if what you are pursuing is of God's kingdom.
