What does Proverbs 19:22 mean?
ESV: What is desired in a man is steadfast love, and a poor man is better than a liar.
NIV: What a person desires is unfailing love ; better to be poor than a liar.
NASB: What is desirable in a person is his kindness, And it is better to be a poor person than a liar.
CSB: What is desirable in a person is his fidelity; better to be a poor person than a liar.
NLT: Loyalty makes a person attractive. It is better to be poor than dishonest.
KJV: The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.
NKJV: What is desired in a man is kindness, And a poor man is better than a liar.
Verse Commentary:
This sentiment resembles other comments which put personal integrity above other concerns (Proverbs 16:19; 19:1; 28:6). "Loyalty" is another translation of the Hebrew term which the ESV renders here as "steadfast love." This word, checed, is also presented as "lovingkindness" in other versions and verses (Exodus 15:13; Psalm 13:5). Other proverbs pointed out that true friendship endures hardship (Proverbs 17:17; 18:24). To remain loyal to a friend in trouble is risky; choosing to retain that relationship can be costly but shows great integrity. The contrasting reputation to "loyalty" or "steadfast love" would be the person who uses deceit for their own gain: a liar. To deceive to get ahead demonstrates the opposite of personal integrity, which holds to truth even when it's inconvenient.
Scripture rarely presents legitimate love in purely emotional terms: real love always inspires action. A loving man is kind to others. There is more honor in being a poor man who shows kindness and help for others than to be rich and pretend to be unable to help others.
First Corinthians 13 teaches that love is the greatest characteristic defining a life influenced by Christ. Without love, everything else, including rhetoric, the ability to understand prophecy, great faith, charity, and even martyrdom amount to nothing. Love is patient, kind, humble, enduring, and lasting. Pretending to be loving is hypocritical. According to the book of Proverbs, "a lying tongue" and "a false witness who breathes out lies" are things God explicitly hates (Proverbs 6:16–17). Love and honesty receive the Lord's favor, but unkindness and deceit receive His judgment.
Verse Context:
Proverbs 19:22–29 continues to dispense wisdom, with a focus on integrity, the fear of the Lord, laziness, the value of discipline, the shame of unruly children, the sin of lying, and the inevitable punishment that comes with foolishness.
Chapter Summary:
Several themes are associated with these statements. Among them are the idea that personal integrity is worth much more than earthly wealth or success. Solomon discusses the unfortunate habit of favoring the rich and dismissing the poor, while commending those who care for the unfortunate. Many references are made to the consequences of foolish behavior, including the shame and punishment such things can bring.
Chapter Context:
This series of proverbs is part of Solomon's writing on wisdom (Proverbs 10:1), a long chain continuing into chapter 22. As do other segments, this speaks on the harsh realities of poverty, the need for integrity, the dangers of laziness, the value of loving discipline, and the consequences of acting foolishly.
Book Summary:
Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.
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