Proverbs 22:4 kjv

By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.

Proverbs 22:4 nkjv

By humility and the fear of the LORD Are riches and honor and life.

Proverbs 22:4 niv

Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life.

Proverbs 22:4 esv

The reward for humility and fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life.

Proverbs 22:4 nlt

True humility and fear of the LORD
lead to riches, honor, and long life.

Proverbs 22 verses

Proverbs 22 4 Meaning

Proverbs 22:4 teaches that a life characterized by humility and reverence for the LORD results in profound spiritual and temporal blessings. These blessings include true wealth, divine honor, and a full, abundant life. It signifies that acknowledging one's dependence on God and submitting to His ways are foundational for experiencing true prosperity and enduring well-being.

Proverbs 22 4 Context

Proverbs 22 is part of the "Sayings of the Wise," a collection distinct from Solomon's proverbs (though still within the larger Book of Proverbs). This chapter introduces principles concerning wealth, poverty, parenting, and wise conduct, often emphasizing character over material gain (Prov 22:1). Verse 4 sets forth a fundamental principle where specific character traits—humility and the fear of the LORD—are directly linked to comprehensive blessings from God. It stands as a foundational truth about divine reciprocity in the covenant relationship, providing the backdrop for practical advice throughout the remainder of the book, contrasting the path of wisdom with folly.

Proverbs 22 4 Word analysis

• By (עֵקֶב, ʻēqev): This preposition means "as a reward for," "on account of," or "as a consequence of." It indicates a direct causal relationship, not merely correlation. The blessings are a direct outcome or dividend from practicing humility and the fear of the LORD. It's not about earning God's favor, but the natural flow of blessing from walking in His established order.

• humility (עֲנָוָה, ʿanavah):

  • Meaning: Lowliness of spirit, meekness, modesty, gentleness. It signifies recognizing one's place before God, understanding dependence on Him, and a willingness to learn and be guided.
  • Significance: It is the opposite of pride (גָאוֹן, ga’on), which the Bible consistently condemns. This is not self-abasement, but a realistic assessment of oneself in relation to an infinite, holy God. It includes an openness to correction and a posture of teachability. In biblical thought, humility before God precedes exaltation.

• fear of the LORD (יִרְאַת יְהוָה, yir’at YHWH):

  • Meaning: Reverential awe, profound respect, and submission to God's authority and holiness. It's not a terrified dread but a loving adoration that naturally leads to obedience and departing from evil.
  • Significance: This concept is central to Proverbs, being called "the beginning of wisdom" (Prov 1:7; 9:10). It signifies a proper recognition of God's character and sovereignty, acting as the foundation for moral conduct and spiritual understanding. This 'fear' informs one's humility, leading to righteous living.

• are (the verb "to be" is implied in Hebrew, creating a strong declarative statement): The connection between the virtues and the rewards is presented as a direct, established truth, rather than a mere possibility or suggestion.

• riches (עֹשֶׁר, osher):

  • Meaning: Material wealth, prosperity, abundance.
  • Significance: While it can refer to material possessions, in the context of Proverbs, "riches" also denotes sufficiency and the comprehensive blessings that accompany a life lived in alignment with God's wisdom, rather than just great financial fortune. It contrasts with ill-gotten or fleeting wealth often condemned elsewhere in Proverbs. This isn't a "health and wealth" gospel but rather a promise that basic needs will be met, and divine favor will accompany one's endeavors.

• honor (כָּבוֹד, kavod):

  • Meaning: Glory, respect, good reputation, esteem, dignity.
  • Significance: This is not worldly acclaim sought by man, but respect bestowed by God or by others in recognition of godly character and conduct. It is often linked with a good name (Prov 22:1), indicating moral integrity and spiritual standing rather than superficial accolades. This honor comes from God and implies a favored status in His sight.

• life (חַיִּים, chayyim):

  • Meaning: Living, existence, well-being, vitality, health, and a fulfilling existence. The plural form (lives) often conveys completeness and abundance in Hebrew thought.
  • Significance: "Life" in Proverbs is more than mere physical existence. It refers to a flourishing, prosperous, and abundant life both qualitatively and quantitatively—experiencing deep satisfaction, peace, safety, and God's continued favor. It often implies a long life (Prov 3:2, 16) and certainly the kind of true spiritual life that extends beyond temporal existence into eternal blessedness with God.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "By humility and the fear of the LORD": These two virtues are inextricably linked. True humility stems from a proper understanding of God (the fear of the LORD), and a genuine fear of the LORD produces humility as one recognizes His majesty and their own dependence. They form the foundational ethical and spiritual posture required for wisdom.
• "are riches, and honor, and life": These three blessings represent comprehensive well-being: material provision ("riches"), social and divine respect ("honor"), and overall thriving ("life"). They encapsulate holistic prosperity, contrasting with the poverty, disgrace, and ultimate destruction that folly and pride lead to. This trinity of blessings signifies a fulfilled existence in all its dimensions, originating from God's gracious hand.

Proverbs 22 4 Bonus section

This proverb, like many others, speaks to the general principle of divine order rather than an absolute promise for every individual in every circumstance, especially in a fallen world. The "fear of the LORD" isn't merely religious observance, but a comprehensive worldview that acknowledges God's supremacy and leads to a life of moral integrity and trust. This posture inherently produces character that fosters healthy relationships, wise decisions, and contentment, which are often the true riches, honor, and life, even without great material accumulation. This aligns with New Testament teaching that true prosperity lies in contentment with what one has and a focus on eternal matters. Furthermore, the wisdom in Proverbs often personifies God's principles, making them accessible guides for a thriving life.

Proverbs 22 4 Commentary

Proverbs 22:4 concisely declares a profound truth: a life rooted in genuine humility before God and a reverential fear of Him leads to multifaceted divine blessings. This isn't a guarantee of earthly opulence or a simplistic prosperity gospel, but rather an assurance that God provides for those who align their lives with His wisdom. "Riches" can encompass sufficiency and all that is needed for righteous living, free from the burdens of debt or moral compromise. "Honor" is a God-given respect, stemming from a character molded by divine principles, not from human striving or vainglory. "Life" points to a comprehensive, abundant, and meaningful existence, qualitative and potentially long-lasting, filled with peace and purpose beyond mere physical duration. The verse underscores that seeking first God's ways is the true path to a full and blessed life.

• Example 1: A person serves diligently and faithfully in obscurity, trusting God for recognition (humility + fear). Over time, doors open, and they gain opportunities and respect that were never directly sought.
• Example 2: A family prioritizes giving and trusting God with their finances, living modestly rather than in debt. They may not accumulate vast wealth, but they consistently experience sufficiency and peace, lacking no good thing.