Proverbs 19:22 kjv

The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.

Proverbs 19:22 nkjv

What is desired in a man is kindness, And a poor man is better than a liar.

Proverbs 19:22 niv

What a person desires is unfailing love; better to be poor than a liar.

Proverbs 19:22 esv

What is desired in a man is steadfast love, and a poor man is better than a liar.

Proverbs 19:22 nlt

Loyalty makes a person attractive.
It is better to be poor than dishonest.

Proverbs 19 verses

Proverbs 19 22 Meaning

Proverbs 19:22 presents two core truths about human character and value. The first part highlights that what truly makes a person desirable or valuable is their steadfast love or loyalty (Hebrew chesed), indicating an inner quality of faithful commitment and kindness. It's not external appearance, wealth, or status, but profound goodness and fidelity that truly draws others and defines worth. The second part delivers a strong comparison, asserting that a poor person is better than a liar. This underscores the supremacy of moral integrity (truthfulness) over any material disadvantage or superficial gain achieved through deceit, reiterating that character transcends worldly position.

Proverbs 19 22 Context

Proverbs 19 is part of the "proverbs of Solomon," a collection emphasizing wisdom for righteous living. The chapter broadly addresses contrasts between wisdom and folly, integrity and deceit, and their respective consequences. Verses often offer a "better than" comparison, as seen in 19:1 ("Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways"). The immediate context emphasizes the Lord's involvement in human plans and the importance of justice, truthfulness, and diligence, while condemning dishonesty and laziness (e.g., 19:5, 19:9 both condemn false witnesses and liars). Proverbs 19:22 fits perfectly within this moral framework, elevating inherent character over external circumstances and prioritizing truth and steadfast love. It is a profound counter-cultural statement that challenges societal values often preoccupied with wealth and status, redirecting focus to qualities valued by God.

Proverbs 19 22 Word Analysis

• The desire (Heb. תַּאֲוַת – ta'avath): This word, while sometimes meaning negative "lust" or "craving" in other contexts, here carries the sense of what one aspires to, what is valued, or what attracts. In this specific construction, it often signifies "what is most desirable in a person" or "that which elicits approval/attraction." It points to an inner quality that commands respect and affection. Scholars often interpret it as "that which a man desires to possess in himself" (character) or "that which others desire in a man."
• of a man (Heb. אָדָם – 'adam): Refers to a human being, humanity in general. This wisdom applies to all people.
• is his kindness (Heb. חֶסֶד – chesed): This is a crucial and profound Hebrew theological term. It signifies loyal love, steadfast love, unfailing love, covenant fidelity, mercy, and enduring goodness. It describes God's constant, faithful love for His people, and ideally, the love humans should show to one another and to God. It is more than mere "niceness"; it implies active, loyal commitment within a relationship, a persistent, unchanging benevolence that marks true character. When applied to humans, it encompasses faithfulness, compassion, and integrity, especially towards those in need or those within one's community/covenant.
• and a poor man (Heb. רָשׁ – rash): Denotes one who is needy, impoverished, without significant means. In many ancient societies, poverty was often associated with weakness or divine disfavor, but the Bible frequently counters this by exalting the poor who maintain integrity, emphasizing God's care for them.
• is better than (Heb. טוֹב מִן – tov min): A common proverbial idiom for comparison, asserting the superior value of one thing over another, often a moral quality over a material one. It sets up an antithesis where spiritual or ethical value trumps worldly standing.
• a liar (Heb. כַּזָּב – kazzav): Refers to one who is deceitful, who habitually speaks falsely. In biblical thought, lying is a severe moral offense, violating trust and representing the antithesis of God's character (who is truth itself). Lying is often associated with evil and linked to the Adversary (Satan) in the New Testament.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "The desire of a man is his kindness": This phrase directly counters superficial valuations. It proclaims that the truly admirable and desired quality in a person is not their wealth, beauty, power, or reputation, but their chesed – their faithful, loyal, and enduring love/kindness demonstrated in actions. It suggests that chesed is what truly makes one a person of value, attracting true respect and affection.
• "and a poor man is better than a liar": This second phrase reinforces the first by providing a concrete example. It juxtaposes financial status (poor) with moral character (liar). A poor person, lacking worldly advantages, still holds higher moral ground and true worth than someone who might be materially well-off or influential, but whose character is marked by deceit. This highlights that truthfulness and integrity are of paramount importance, superseding all external circumstances. The connection between the two clauses implies that chesed inherently involves truthfulness; a truly kind and loyal person would not be a liar.

Proverbs 19 22 Bonus Section

The interpretation of the first half of the verse, particularly the nuance of "desire" (תַּאֲוָה, ta'avath), has seen scholarly discussion. While some older translations like the KJV might suggest "man desires kindness," the stronger consensus among modern translators (ESV, NIV) and Hebrew scholars is that it refers to what makes a person desirable or admirable. This reading aligns better with the common structure of Proverbs where desirable qualities are described as the possession of a wise or righteous person. So, it's not simply that people want kindness, but that kindness itself (as embodied by an individual) is what makes them truly appealing and worthwhile.

This verse strongly aligns with the recurring biblical theme that external circumstances or appearances are irrelevant to true worth. God, who values the heart, sets a divine standard for humanity that emphasizes inner character: loyalty, truthfulness, and integrity. This is a profound polemic against any culture, ancient or modern, that prioritizes material wealth, social status, or outward success above the moral and spiritual health of an individual's soul. The simple phrase "better than" (טוֹב מִן) becomes a powerful pronouncement of divine judgment on worldly values, consistently re-centering our understanding of value on righteousness.

Proverbs 19 22 Commentary

Proverbs 19:22 is a cornerstone verse in biblical wisdom, sharply delineating true value from superficial estimations. The first part, "The desire of a man is his kindness," reorients our perspective on human desirability. It teaches that while the world often chases wealth, beauty, or power, the genuine attribute that makes a person worthy of esteem and affection is their chesed – their loyal, steadfast, and compassionate love. This isn't mere fleeting sentiment, but a deep-seated characteristic of fidelity, mercy, and consistent goodness. It speaks to a heart that embodies God's own covenant faithfulness in its dealings with others.

The second part, "and a poor man is better than a liar," solidifies this counter-cultural wisdom. It pits two extremes against each other: a lack of material resources versus a lack of moral integrity. Despite societal biases that might dismiss the poor, the Proverb boldly declares that one's financial standing pales in comparison to their truthfulness. A poor person who is honest and reliable holds greater honor and worth in God's sight, and in true wisdom, than a wealthy or successful person who gains through deceit. Lying is presented as a corrupting force that renders one morally bankrupt, regardless of external trappings. The conjunction "and" implies that chesed naturally involves truthfulness; a person marked by true kindness and loyalty would inherently despise deceit. Thus, the verse calls believers to prioritize an inward cultivation of steadfast love and unshakeable honesty, recognizing these as the true marks of a desirable and God-honoring life.

Examples:

• Valuing a truly dependable, honest friend over a wealthy but deceitful business associate.
• A congregation preferring a humble, truthful leader to a charismatic but dishonest one, regardless of worldly success.
• Choosing to remain financially modest through honest labor rather than gaining riches through deceptive practices.