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Study this verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Proverbs 19:22.
Note, 1. The honour of doing good is what we may laudably be ambitious of. It cannot but be the desire of man, if he have any spark of virtue in him, to be kind; one would not covet an estate for any thing so much as thereby to be put into a capacity of relieving the poor and obliging our friends. 2. It is far better to have a heart to do good and want ability for it than have ability for it and want a heart to it: The desire of a man to be kind, and charitable, and generous, is his kindness, and shall be so construed; both God and man will accept his good-will, according to what he has, and will not expect more. A poor man, who wishes you well, but can promise you nothing, because he has nothing to be kind with, is better than a liar, than a rich man who makes you believe he will do mighty things, but, when it comes to the setting to, will do nothing. the character of the men of low degree, that they are vanity, from whom nothing is expected, is better than that of men of high degree, that they are a lie, they deceive those whose expectations they raised.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
And a poor man is better than a lying man. Indeed, better is the humble in heart, who trusts nothing in his own works, than he who, by the excellence of virtues, considering himself worthy of the name of man, is deceived; unaware that while he transfers the glory of God to himself, by pride he loses the goods he has done.
A needy man is merciful. He calls the needy humble, who continually remembers that he is in need of eternal goods. Such a one, so that he may obtain mercy from the Lord, never refuses to show mercy to his neighbor. About whom he subsequently adds:
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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 consistently addresses themes of justice, honesty, the consequences of actions, and the practical application of wisdom in daily life. For instance, Proverbs 19:1 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. 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.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
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.
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.
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.
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
FAQ
What does "The desire of a man is his kindness" truly mean?
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?
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. 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. He, though rich in divine glory, became poor for our sakes (2 Corinthians 8:9), 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) and in whom there was no falsehood (1 Peter 2:22). 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). 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).