Perverse in his ways - literally, “Perverse in his double ways.” Compare Ecclesiasticus 2:12 and James 1:8.

Better is the poor that walketh...—A variation of Proverbs 19:1.

Perverse in his ways.— …

Better [is] the poor that walks in his uprightness (See Gill on Proverbs 19:1); than [he that is] perver…

An honest, godly, poor man is better than a wicked, ungodly, rich man; he has more comfort in himself, and is a greater blessing to the world.