Proverbs 19:22

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

The desire {H8378} of a man {H120} is his kindness {H2617}: and a poor man {H7326} is better {H2896} than {H376} a liar {H3577}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A man's lust is his shame, and a poor man is better than a liar.

Berean Standard Bible

The desire of a man is loving devotion; better to be poor than a liar.

American Standard Version

That which maketh a man to be desired is his kindness; And a poor man is better than a liar.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 19:22 presents a profound insight into the true measure of human worth, asserting that a person's most admirable and desirable quality is their steadfast kindness and loyalty. This proverb elevates intrinsic character, marked by integrity and faithfulness, above all external circumstances, including poverty, and starkly contrasts it with the deceitful nature of a liar. It challenges conventional societal judgments, positioning moral virtue as far more valuable than material status or outward appearance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 19 belongs to the core collection of Solomonic proverbs (Proverbs 10-22:16), characterized by their concise, often antithetical, two-line structure. This particular verse exemplifies this literary form, juxtaposing "kindness" with "liar" and the "poor man" (implicitly, one of integrity) with the "liar," thereby highlighting the moral superiority of truthfulness and loyalty over deceit and superficial success. The broader chapter of [Proverbs 19](/proverbs/19 "Proverbs 19 - Wisdom, Folly, and Justice") consistently addresses themes of justice, honesty, the consequences of actions, and the practical application of wisdom in daily life. For instance, [Proverbs 19:1](/proverbs/19-1 "Proverbs 19:1 - Integrity of the Poor") states, "Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool," setting a clear precedent for valuing character over status, a sentiment powerfully echoed and expanded upon in verse 22.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, as throughout the ancient Near East, honor, reputation, and social standing were deeply significant. While wealth often conferred status, the wisdom tradition, particularly in Proverbs, frequently offered a counter-cultural perspective, challenging a purely materialistic definition of success. Loyalty within covenant relationships (both with God and within the community) and truth-telling were foundational virtues for a stable and just society. Poverty, though a difficult reality, was not inherently viewed as a moral failing, especially if coupled with integrity. Conversely, lying and deceit were severely condemned, as they undermined trust, fractured social bonds, and violated the very character of God, who is truth. Thus, the proverb's assertion that a poor person of integrity is more valuable than a liar directly confronts and reorients societal tendencies to judge solely by outward appearances or material prosperity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes prominent in the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it emphasizes **True Worth**, asserting that a person's intrinsic value is determined by their character, particularly their **Kindness and Loyalty** (Hebrew: *chesed*), rather than their material possessions or social standing. Secondly, it champions **Integrity and Truthfulness**, explicitly contrasting the moral uprightness of an honest, even poor, individual with the inherent corruption of a liar. This reinforces the pervasive biblical theme that God values truth and despises falsehood, a principle articulated clearly in [Proverbs 12:22](/proverbs/12-22 "Proverbs 12:22 - Lying Lips are Abomination to the Lord"). Thirdly, it highlights the **Superiority of Character Over Circumstance**, challenging the common human tendency to equate prosperity with righteousness or poverty with moral failure. The book of Proverbs consistently teaches that genuine wisdom leads to a life marked by such virtues, which are ultimately more beneficial and enduring than fleeting worldly advantages, as further explored in passages like [Proverbs 28:6](/proverbs/28-6 "Proverbs 28:6 - Integrity of the Poor").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **desire (Hebrew, _taʼăvâh'_):** From the root meaning "to long" or "to wish for," this word (H8378) denotes a longing, a delight, or satisfaction. In this context, it refers to what is truly desirable or admirable in a person, what one should truly long to possess or find in others. It speaks to the essence of what makes a person genuinely attractive or worthy of esteem, not in a superficial sense, but in terms of their core being.
* **kindness (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** This is a profound and rich theological term (H2617), often translated as "steadfast love," "loyal love," "mercy," or "faithfulness." It describes a deep, enduring commitment that goes beyond mere sentiment, involving active loyalty and benevolence within a relationship, especially a covenantal one. Here, it signifies that the most desirable quality in a person is their consistent demonstration of this loyal, compassionate, and faithful character, reflecting God's own *chesed*.
* **liar (Hebrew, _kâzâb'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to lie" or "to deceive," this term (H3577) refers to falsehood, untruth, or deceit. It encompasses not just spoken lies but also a character marked by deception and unreliability. The proverb starkly contrasts this quality with *chesed*, emphasizing that a person defined by *kâzâb* is morally inferior, regardless of their material status.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The desire of a man [is] his kindness":** This clause reveals what is truly valuable and sought after in human character. It suggests that the most commendable and attractive attribute a person can possess is not wealth, power, or beauty, but their inherent *chesed*—their steadfast, loyal, and compassionate love. This "kindness" is not a fleeting act but a deep-seated disposition of faithfulness and benevolence that defines their very being and is the true measure of their worth. It implies that what makes a person truly desirable and worthy of respect is their consistent demonstration of integrity and loyal love towards others and, implicitly, towards God.
* **"and a poor man [is] better than a liar":** This second clause provides a stark contrast and reinforces the message of the first. It directly challenges societal values that often equate poverty with misfortune or even moral failing, and wealth or outward success with virtue. The proverb asserts that even a person in the disadvantaged state of poverty, provided they are truthful and upright, possesses greater moral worth and is more estimable than someone who may appear successful but is characterized by deceit. This highlights the supreme importance of integrity and truthfulness, placing them above any material or social advantage.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Proverbs 19:22 is **Antithetical Parallelism**. This is a common feature in Proverbs, where the second line of a couplet presents a contrasting idea to the first, often to highlight a moral truth. Here, the "desire of a man" (his kindness/loyal love) is implicitly contrasted with the negative quality of a "liar," while the "poor man" (who, by implication, possesses integrity) is contrasted with the "liar." This structure emphasizes the absolute superiority of moral character (kindness, honesty) over external circumstances or deceptive practices. Additionally, the verse employs **Juxtaposition**, placing "kindness" and "liar" in direct opposition to underscore their fundamental incompatibility and the moral choice presented to humanity. The term "desire" can also be seen as a form of **Metonymy**, where "the desire of a man" stands for "what is truly desirable in a man's character."

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 19:22 profoundly resonates with the broader biblical emphasis on character over circumstance, truth over falsehood, and loyal love (*hesed*) as a defining attribute of both God and His people. Theologically, it aligns with the divine standard that values inner righteousness more than outward appearance or material possessions, echoing God's own nature as one who is faithful and true. This verse teaches that true wealth lies in moral integrity and genuine compassion, reflecting the very heart of God's covenant relationship with humanity. It underscores that our worth is not derived from what we have, but from who we are, particularly in our capacity for loyal love and truthfulness, which are reflections of the divine image.

* [Proverbs 12:22](/proverbs/12-22 "Proverbs 12:22 - Lying Lips are Abomination to the Lord")
* [Proverbs 28:6](/proverbs/28-6 "Proverbs 28:6 - Integrity of the Poor is Better than Rich Deceiver")
* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 19:22 serves as a powerful call to re-evaluate our priorities and the metrics by which we measure true worth, both in ourselves and in others. In a world often preoccupied with external markers of success—wealth, status, influence, or popularity—this proverb redirects our gaze to the enduring value of internal character. It challenges us to cultivate a life marked by genuine *chesed*—steadfast kindness, loyal love, and faithfulness—recognizing that these virtues are far more precious and impactful than any fleeting material gain. It also provides a stark reminder of the corrosive nature of deceit, urging us to uphold truthfulness at all costs, understanding that integrity, even in the face of hardship, is infinitely preferable to prosperity achieved through lies. This means prioritizing honesty in our words and actions, even when it is difficult or costly, and striving to be people known for our unwavering loyalty and compassion, thereby building trust and fostering healthy relationships in our families, communities, and workplaces.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically measure a person's worth or success, and how does this verse challenge those assumptions?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to compromise integrity for perceived gain, and how can I cultivate a deeper commitment to truthfulness?**
* **How can I intentionally demonstrate *chesed*—steadfast kindness and loyal love—in my daily interactions, especially when it is inconvenient or unreciprocated?**
* **What does it mean for me to be "rich in kindness" rather than "rich in possessions," and how can I pursue this spiritual wealth?**

### FAQ

**What does "The desire of a man is his kindness" truly mean?**

Answer: This phrase means that what is most truly desirable, admirable, and valuable in a person is their *chesed*, which is a rich Hebrew term encompassing steadfast love, loyal love, mercy, and faithfulness. It's not about what a man *wants* for himself, but rather what quality in a man is *most wanted* or *most attractive* to others and, implicitly, to God. It suggests that a person's ultimate worth and the quality that truly makes them estimable is their consistent demonstration of loyal, compassionate, and faithful character, rather than their achievements, wealth, or outward appearance. It highlights that inner moral virtue is the most precious human attribute.

**Why is a poor man better than a liar according to this proverb?**

Answer: This part of the proverb emphasizes the supreme importance of integrity and truthfulness over material status. While poverty was generally considered a difficult condition in ancient society, the proverb asserts that a poor person who maintains honesty and integrity is morally superior and more valuable than someone who is deceitful, regardless of their wealth or social standing. Lying undermines trust, destroys relationships, and is an abomination to God, as seen in [Proverbs 12:22](/proverbs/12-22 "Proverbs 12:22 - Lying Lips are Abomination to the Lord"). Therefore, the proverb teaches that character, specifically truthfulness, far outweighs any external circumstance, even one as challenging as poverty. It's a powerful statement about the inherent dignity of integrity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 19:22 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the "desire of a man" in His perfect "kindness" (*chesed*) and stands as the absolute antithesis of the liar. Jesus is the very personification of God's steadfast love and faithfulness, demonstrating *chesed* in His every action, from healing the sick to laying down His life for His enemies, as proclaimed in [John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This"). He, though rich in divine glory, became poor for our sakes ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Sake")), identifying with the humble and the marginalized, yet He was utterly without deceit. The Gospels consistently portray Him as the one who spoke only truth ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")) and in whom there was no falsehood ([1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ Committed No Sin")). His life perfectly illustrates that true worth and desirability are found not in worldly power or possessions, but in perfect integrity, loyal love, and sacrificial service—qualities He calls His followers to emulate ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")). In Christ, the "poor man" who is "better than a liar" is elevated to the divine, demonstrating that God's kingdom values righteousness and truth above all else, offering true riches to those who follow Him by seeking first His kingdom and righteousness ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Mark 14:6

And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me.

Mark 14:8

She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.

2 Corinthians 8:12

For if there be first a willing mind, [it is] accepted according to that a man hath, [and] not according to that he hath not.

Proverbs 19:1

¶ Better [is] the poor that walketh in his integrity, than [he that is] perverse in his lips, and is a fool.

2 Chronicles 6:8

But the LORD said to David my father, Forasmuch as it was in thine heart to build an house for my name, thou didst well in that it was in thine heart:

Mark 12:41

¶ And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.

Mark 12:44

For all [they] did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, [even] all her living.