Kindness and honesty are better measures of worth than any worldly status might ever provide.
“What is desirable in a man is his kindness, And it is better to be a poor man than a liar.” (19:22). These words acknowledge what truly matters to the LORD when He measures a person’s character. The verse begins with an observation: What is desirable in a man is his kindness. Here, “kindness” can be seen as a practical outworking of love and generosity toward others (John 13:34-35). In Israel’s cultural context, expressed primarily during King Solomon’s reign from around 970 to 931 BC, this kindness entailed genuine care for neighbors, a willingness to serve, and a devotion to promote each other’s good. Hebrew culture prized compassion for the vulnerable, a principle further reinforced throughout the Law, which taught the Israelites to treat each other in a manner that built a self-governing community based on truth and mutual support. Such a community, when guided by kindness, secures God’s blessings, just as other Old Testament passages explain the benefits of order and care among neighbors. This exemplifies how obedience to God’s design for relationships fosters peace and stability.
Moreover, it is better to be a poor man than a liar (19:22) highlights that integrity surpasses comfort or outward prosperity. Throughout Scripture, dishonesty repeatedly causes broken trust and communal chaos, piercing the bonds of love and cooperation that God desires among His people (Proverbs 6:16-19). Many Old Testament laws, such as those outlined around bearing false witness and safeguarding the welfare of neighbors, underscore the importance of truth-telling and authenticity. A person who lacks material resources but upholds truth stands secure in God’s eyes, and better reflects His righteousness, than one who accumulates wealth or status by deceit. This principle aligns with the repeated biblical theme that lasting security and honor come from living in alignment with God’s righteous ways.
This verse also anticipates New Testament teachings, where Jesus models perfect kindness and truth. He calls His followers not only to love one another and practice charitable deeds but also to root themselves in honesty (Ephesians 4:25). Those who walk in Christ’s ways imitate His gentleness toward the needy, encouraging and blessing the community with acts of mercy (Matthew 9:36), while likewise rejecting deception. In short, Proverbs 19:22 affirms that God values the hearts of His people more than material gain, reminding everyone that a steadfast commitment to kindness and truth is indispensable to the abundant life God intends.
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Proverbs 19:22 meaning
“What is desirable in a man is his kindness, And it is better to be a poor man than a liar.” (19:22). These words acknowledge what truly matters to the LORD when He measures a person’s character. The verse begins with an observation: What is desirable in a man is his kindness. Here, “kindness” can be seen as a practical outworking of love and generosity toward others (John 13:34-35). In Israel’s cultural context, expressed primarily during King Solomon’s reign from around 970 to 931 BC, this kindness entailed genuine care for neighbors, a willingness to serve, and a devotion to promote each other’s good. Hebrew culture prized compassion for the vulnerable, a principle further reinforced throughout the Law, which taught the Israelites to treat each other in a manner that built a self-governing community based on truth and mutual support. Such a community, when guided by kindness, secures God’s blessings, just as other Old Testament passages explain the benefits of order and care among neighbors. This exemplifies how obedience to God’s design for relationships fosters peace and stability.
Moreover, it is better to be a poor man than a liar (19:22) highlights that integrity surpasses comfort or outward prosperity. Throughout Scripture, dishonesty repeatedly causes broken trust and communal chaos, piercing the bonds of love and cooperation that God desires among His people (Proverbs 6:16-19). Many Old Testament laws, such as those outlined around bearing false witness and safeguarding the welfare of neighbors, underscore the importance of truth-telling and authenticity. A person who lacks material resources but upholds truth stands secure in God’s eyes, and better reflects His righteousness, than one who accumulates wealth or status by deceit. This principle aligns with the repeated biblical theme that lasting security and honor come from living in alignment with God’s righteous ways.
This verse also anticipates New Testament teachings, where Jesus models perfect kindness and truth. He calls His followers not only to love one another and practice charitable deeds but also to root themselves in honesty (Ephesians 4:25). Those who walk in Christ’s ways imitate His gentleness toward the needy, encouraging and blessing the community with acts of mercy (Matthew 9:36), while likewise rejecting deception. In short, Proverbs 19:22 affirms that God values the hearts of His people more than material gain, reminding everyone that a steadfast commitment to kindness and truth is indispensable to the abundant life God intends.