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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 19:22 The desire of a man is loving devotion; better to be poor than a liar.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/19-22.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/20_Pro_19_22.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 19:22 - The Man of Integrity" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The desire of a man is loving devotion; better to be poor than a liar." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/19-22.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/19-22.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/19.htm">Chapter 19</a> > Verse 22</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/19-21.htm" title="Proverbs 19:21">◄</a> Proverbs 19:22 <a href="/proverbs/19-23.htm" title="Proverbs 19:23">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/19.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/19.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />What a person desires is unfailing love; better to be poor than a liar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/19.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Loyalty makes a person attractive. It is better to be poor than dishonest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/19.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />What is desired in a man is steadfast love, and a poor man is better than a liar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/19.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The desire of a man is loving devotion; better to be poor than a liar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/19.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The desire of a man <i>is</i> his kindness: and a poor man <i>is</i> better than a liar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/19.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />What is desired in a man is kindness, And a poor man is better than a liar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/19.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />What is desirable in a person is his kindness, And <i>it is</i> better to be a poor person than a liar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/19.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />What is desirable in a man is his kindness, And it is better to be a poor man than a liar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/19.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />What is desirable in a man is his kindness, And <i>it is</i> better to be a poor man than a liar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/19.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />What is desirable in a man is his lovingkindness, And better is a poor man than a man of falsehood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/19.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />That which is desirable in a man is his loyalty <i>and</i> unfailing love, But it is better to be a poor man than a [wealthy] liar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/19.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />What is desirable in a person is his fidelity; better to be a poor person than a liar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/19.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />What is desirable in a man is his fidelity; better to be a poor man than a liar. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/19.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />That which maketh a man to be desired is his kindness; And a poor man is better than a liar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/19.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />What matters most is loyalty. It's better to be poor than to be a liar. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/19.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The desire of a man is the measure of his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/19.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Loyalty is desirable in a person, and it is better to be poor than a liar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/19.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />It is a disgrace to be greedy; poor people are better off than liars. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/19.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Human beings long for grace, and it's better to be poor than a man of deceit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/19.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The desire of a man is loving devotion; better to be poor than a liar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/19.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />What is desirable for a person is to show loyal love, and a poor person is better than a liar. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/19.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />That which makes a man to be desired is his kindness. A poor man is better than a liar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/19.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/19.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />That which makes a man to be desired is his kindness. A poor man is better than a liar. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/19.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The desirableness of a man [is] his kindness, "" And the poor [is] better than a liar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/19.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The desirableness of a man is his kindness, And better is the poor than a liar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/19.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The desire of man his mercy: and the poor good above the man of falsehood.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/19.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />A needy man is merciful: and better is the poor than the lying man. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/19.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />An indigent man is merciful. And a pauper is better than a deceitful man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/19.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />What is desired of a person is fidelity; rather be poor than a liar. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/19.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />What is desirable in a person is loyalty, and it is better to be poor than a liar.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/19.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />The longing of a man is to do good; and a poor man is better than a rich man who lies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/19.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The desire of a man is his favor, and the poor man is better than a rich man who lies.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/19.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The lust of a man is his shame; And a poor man is better than a liar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/19.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Mercy is a fruit to a man: and a poor man is better than a rich liar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/19-22.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=3862" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/19.htm">The Man of Integrity</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">21</span>Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail. <span class="reftext">22</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/8378.htm" title="8378: ta·’ă·waṯ (N-fsc) -- A desire. From 'avah; a longing; by implication, a delight.">The desire</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: ’ā·ḏām (N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">of a man</a> <a href="/hebrew/2617.htm" title="2617: ḥas·dōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty. From chacad; kindness; by implication piety: rarely reproof, or Beauty.">is loving devotion;</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: wə·ṭō·wḇ- (Conj-w:: Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">better</a> <a href="/hebrew/7326.htm" title="7326: rāš (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To be in want or poor. A primitive root; to be destitute.">to be poor</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: mê·’îš (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">than</a> <a href="/hebrew/3577.htm" title="3577: kā·zāḇ (N-ms) -- A lie, falsehood, deceptive thing. From kazab; falsehood; literally or figuratively.">a liar.</a> </span><span class="reftext">23</span>The fear of the LORD leads to life, that one may rest content, without visitation from harm.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/15-22.htm">1 Samuel 15:22</a></span><br />But Samuel declared: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a></span><br />He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/9-13.htm">Matthew 9:13</a></span><br />But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/6-6.htm">Hosea 6:6</a></span><br />For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/13-3.htm">1 Corinthians 13:3</a></span><br />If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body, but have not love, I gain nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-13.htm">James 2:13</a></span><br />For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-7.htm">Matthew 5:7</a></span><br />Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-36.htm">Luke 6:36</a></span><br />Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-17.htm">Isaiah 1:17</a></span><br />Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-23.htm">Matthew 23:23</a></span><br />Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin. But you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-17.htm">1 John 3:17</a></span><br />If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-8.htm">Romans 12:8</a></span><br />if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/8-12.htm">2 Corinthians 8:12</a></span><br />For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-21.htm">Psalm 37:21</a></span><br />The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous are gracious and giving.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-28.htm">Ephesians 4:28</a></span><br />He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.</p><p class="hdg">desire</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/29-2.htm">1 Chronicles 29:2,3,17</a></b></br> Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God the gold for <i>things to be made</i> of gold, and the silver for <i>things</i> of silver, and the brass for <i>things</i> of brass, the iron for <i>things</i> of iron, and wood for <i>things</i> of wood; onyx stones, and <i>stones</i> to be set, glistering stones, and of divers colours, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/6-8.htm">2 Chronicles 6:8</a></b></br> 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:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/12-41.htm">Mark 12:41-44</a></b></br> 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… </p><p class="hdg">and</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/19-1.htm">Proverbs 19:1</a></b></br> Better <i>is</i> the poor that walketh in his integrity, than <i>he that is</i> perverse in his lips, and is a fool.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/6-15.htm">Job 6:15</a></b></br> My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, <i>and</i> as the stream of brooks they pass away;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/17-5.htm">Job 17:5</a></b></br> He that speaketh flattery to <i>his</i> friends, even the eyes of his children shall fail.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/19-1.htm">Better</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-8.htm">Charm</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-11.htm">Desirable</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-18.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-16.htm">Desired</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-27.htm">Desires</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-6.htm">Kindness</a> <a href="/job/34-6.htm">Liar</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-9.htm">Love</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-11.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-11.htm">Maketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-23.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-9.htm">Ornament</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-17.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-13.htm">Shame</a> <a href="/psalms/147-11.htm">Unfailing</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/21-9.htm">Better</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-30.htm">Charm</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-20.htm">Desirable</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-7.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-3.htm">Desired</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-1.htm">Desires</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-6.htm">Kindness</a> <a href="/jeremiah/15-18.htm">Liar</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-6.htm">Love</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-28.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-11.htm">Maketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-28.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-12.htm">Ornament</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-13.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-26.htm">Shame</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-6.htm">Unfailing</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 19</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/19-1.htm">Life and Conduct</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/19.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/19.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>The desire of a man is loving devotion;</b><br>This phrase highlights the intrinsic longing within humans for steadfast love and faithfulness. In the biblical context, loving devotion, or "chesed" in Hebrew, is a covenantal term often used to describe God's loyal love towards His people. It suggests that true fulfillment comes from relationships characterized by loyalty and kindness. This aligns with the biblical teaching that love is the greatest commandment (<a href="/matthew/22-37.htm">Matthew 22:37-39</a>) and reflects the nature of God, who is described as love (1 <a href="/john/4-8.htm">John 4:8</a>). The desire for loving devotion can be seen as a reflection of humanity's creation in the image of God, who is relational and loving.<p><b>better to be poor than a liar.</b><br>This part of the verse emphasizes the value of integrity over material wealth. In the cultural and historical context of ancient Israel, honesty and truthfulness were highly esteemed virtues. The wisdom literature often contrasts the righteous and the wicked, highlighting that moral character is more important than economic status. This teaching is consistent with other scriptures, such as <a href="/proverbs/28-6.htm">Proverbs 28:6</a>, which states, "Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse." The preference for poverty over deceit underscores the biblical principle that God values truth and integrity, as seen in the life of Jesus Christ, who lived a life of truth and taught His followers to do the same (<a href="/john/14-6.htm">John 14:6</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His proverbs often provide practical guidance for living a life that honors God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>The cultural and historical context in which Proverbs was written. Understanding the societal values of ancient Israel helps us grasp the emphasis on integrity and truthfulness.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wise_and_the_foolish.htm">The Wise and the Foolish</a></b><br>Throughout Proverbs, these two archetypes are used to contrast those who live according to God's wisdom and those who reject it.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/v/value_of_integrity.htm">Value of Integrity</a></b><br>Integrity is a core value in the Christian life. It is better to maintain honesty and truthfulness, even if it means living in poverty, than to gain wealth through deceit.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/loving_devotion.htm">Loving Devotion</a></b><br>The Hebrew word for "loving devotion" (chesed) implies loyalty, kindness, and faithfulness. This is what God desires from us, reflecting His own character.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/contentment_in_simplicity.htm">Contentment in Simplicity</a></b><br>Embrace a life of simplicity and contentment, recognizing that material wealth is not the ultimate goal. True fulfillment comes from a heart aligned with God's values.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_perspective_on_wealth.htm">God's Perspective on Wealth</a></b><br>Earthly wealth is temporary and can lead to moral compromise. God's perspective values character and integrity over financial success.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/truthfulness_as_a_witness.htm">Truthfulness as a Witness</a></b><br>Living truthfully serves as a powerful witness to others about the transformative power of the Gospel. It reflects the character of Christ in our lives.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/19.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(22) <span class= "bld">The desire of a man is his kindness--</span><span class= "ital">i.e., </span>what makes a man desired or beloved is his kindness. Or, the kindness of a man consists in--is shewn by--his good-will, even though he cannot carry it out.<p><span class= "bld">And a poor man </span>(who would do a kindness if he could) <span class= "bld">is better than a liar.</span>--Than a rich man who could help another, but professes to be unable to do so.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/19.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 22.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The desire of a man is his kind. nose.</span> The Revised Version rather paraphrases the clause, <span class="accented">The desire of a man is the measure of his kindness</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> the wish and intention to do good is that which gives its real value to an act. The word for "kindness" is <span class="accented">chesed</span>, "mercy;" and, looking to the context, we see the meaning of the maxim to be that a poor man's desire of aiding a distressed neighbour, even if he is unable to carry out his intention, is taken for the act of mercy. "The desire of a man" may signify a man's desirableness, that which makes him to be desired or loved; this is found in his liberality. But the former explanation is most suitable. Septuagint, "Mercifulness is a gain unto a man," which is like ver. 17; Vulgate, <span class="accented">Homo indigens misericors est</span>, taking a man's desire as evidenceing his need and poverty, and introducing the idea that the experience of misery conduces to pity, as says Dido (Virgil, 'AEn.,' 1:630) - <p><span class="accented">"Non ignara mali miseris succurrere disco."</span> <span class="cmt_word">A poor man is better than a liar.</span> A poor man who gives to one in distress his sympathy and good wishes, even if he can afford no substantial aid, is better than a rich man who promises much and does nothing, or who falsely professes that he is unable to help (comp. <a href="/proverbs/3-27.htm">Proverbs 3:27, 28</a>). Septuagint, "A poor righteous man is better than a rich liar." A Buddhist maxim says, "Like a beautiful flower, full of colours, but without scent, are the fine but fruitless words of him who does not act accordingly" (Max Muller). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/19-22.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">The desire</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּאֲוַ֣ת</span> <span class="translit">(ta·’ă·waṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8378.htm">Strong's 8378: </a> </span><span class="str2">A longing, a delight</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of a man</span><br /><span class="heb">אָדָ֣ם</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ḏām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ruddy, a human being</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is loving devotion;</span><br /><span class="heb">חַסְדּ֑וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(ḥas·dōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2617.htm">Strong's 2617: </a> </span><span class="str2">Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty</span><br /><br /><span class="word">better</span><br /><span class="heb">וְטֽוֹב־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ṭō·wḇ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pleasant, agreeable, good</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to be poor</span><br /><span class="heb">רָ֝שׁ</span> <span class="translit">(rāš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7326.htm">Strong's 7326: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be in want or poor</span><br /><br /><span class="word">than</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵאִ֥ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(mê·’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a liar.</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּזָֽב׃</span> <span class="translit">(kā·zāḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3577.htm">Strong's 3577: </a> </span><span class="str2">A lie, falsehood, deceptive thing</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/19-22.htm">Proverbs 19:22 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/19-22.htm">Proverbs 19:22 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/19-22.htm">Proverbs 19:22 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/19-22.htm">Proverbs 19:22 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/19-22.htm">Proverbs 19:22 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/19-22.htm">Proverbs 19:22 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/19-22.htm">Proverbs 19:22 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/19-22.htm">Proverbs 19:22 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/19-22.htm">Proverbs 19:22 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/19-22.htm">Proverbs 19:22 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/19-22.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 19:22 That which makes a man to be (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/19-21.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 19:21"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 19:21" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/19-23.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 19:23"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 19:23" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>