Proverbs 19:22
Proverbs 19:22 in Multiple Translations
The desire of a man is loving devotion; better to be poor than a liar.
The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.
That which maketh a man to be desired is his kindness; And a poor man is better than a liar.
The ornament of a man is his mercy, and a poor man is better than one who is false.
The most desirable thing in anyone is trustworthy love; it is better to be poor than a liar.
That that is to be desired of a man, is his goodnes, and a poore man is better then a lyer.
The desirableness of a man [is] his kindness, And better [is] the poor than a liar.
That which makes a man to be desired is his kindness. A poor man is better than a liar.
The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.
A needy man is merciful: and better is the poor than the lying man.
People want others to be loyal to them; it is better to be poor than to tell a lie to a judge in court in order to get money.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 19:22
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 19:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
תַּאֲוַ֣ת
אָדָ֣ם
חַסְדּ֑/וֹ
וְ/טֽוֹב
רָ֝שׁ
מֵ/אִ֥ישׁ
כָּזָֽב
תַּאֲוַ֣ת
taʼăvâh
H8378
desire
N-fs
אָדָ֣ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
חַסְדּ֑/וֹ
chêçêd
H2617
kindness
N-ms | Suff
וְ/טֽוֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Conj | Adj
רָ֝שׁ
rûwsh
H7326
be poor
V-Qal
מֵ/אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Prep | N-ms
כָּזָֽב
kâzâb
H3577
lie
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 19:22
תַּאֲוַ֣ת
taʼăvâh
H8378
"desire"
N-fs
This word means desire or longing, and can refer to a positive or negative yearning. In the Bible, it is used to describe the desires of the heart, as seen in Psalm 38:9. It can also imply a delight or satisfaction.
Definition: 1) desire 1a) desire, wish, longings of one's heart 1a1) lust, appetite, covetousness (bad sense) 1b) thing desired, object of desire
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: dainty, desire, [idiom] exceedingly, [idiom] greedily, lust(ing), pleasant. See also H6914 (קִבְרוֹת הַתַּאֲוָה). See also: Genesis 3:6; Psalms 106:14; Psalms 10:3.
אָדָ֣ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
חַסְדּ֑/וֹ
chêçêd
H2617
"kindness"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to kindness, mercy, or pity, often used to describe God's loving actions towards humanity. It is translated as 'favour', 'kindness', or 'mercy' in the KJV. It emphasizes God's loving character.
Definition: goodness, kindness, faithfulness
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: favour, good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing. See also: Genesis 19:19; Psalms 51:3; Psalms 5:8.
וְ/טֽוֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Conj | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
רָ֝שׁ
rûwsh
H7326
"be poor"
V-Qal
To be poor or destitute, often used to describe someone who lacks material possessions or is in need, as seen in the story of the poor widow in Mark 12:42. This verb can also be used to describe someone who is spiritually poor or lacking.
Definition: 1) to be poor, be in want, lack 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be poor 1a2) to be in want or hunger 1a3) poor man (subst) 1b)(Hithpolel) one impoverishing himself (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: lack, needy, (make self) poor (man). See also: 1 Samuel 18:23; Proverbs 18:23; Psalms 34:11.
מֵ/אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
כָּזָֽב
kâzâb
H3577
"lie"
N-ms
A lie or falsehood is what this word represents, whether it is a literal untruth or a figurative idol, and is often used to describe the deceitful nature of humanity.
Definition: a lie, untruth, falsehood, deceptive thing
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: deceitful, false, leasing, + liar, lie, lying. See also: Psalms 4:3; Proverbs 30:8; Psalms 5:7.
Study Notes — Proverbs 19:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 19:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 19:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 19:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 19:22
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 19:22
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 19:22
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 19:22
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 19:22
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 19:22
- Sermons on Proverbs 19:22
Context — The Man of Integrity
20Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days.
21Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.
22The desire of a man is loving devotion; better to be poor than a liar.
23The fear of the LORD leads to life, that one may rest content, without visitation from harm. 24The slacker buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mark 14:6–8 | But Jesus said, “Leave her alone; why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful deed to Me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them whenever you want. But you will not always have Me. She has done what she could to anoint My body in advance of My burial. |
| 2 | 2 Corinthians 8:12 | For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have. |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 6:8 | But the LORD said to my father David, ‘Since it was in your heart to build a house for My Name, you have done well to have this in your heart. |
| 4 | Titus 1:2 | in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began. |
| 5 | Mark 12:41–44 | As Jesus was sitting opposite the treasury, He watched the crowd putting money into it. And many rich people put in large amounts. Then one poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amounted to a small fraction of a denarius. Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more than all the others into the treasury. For they all contributed out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.” |
| 6 | Proverbs 19:1 | Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a fool whose lips are perverse. |
| 7 | 2 Corinthians 8:2–3 | In the terrible ordeal they suffered, their abundant joy and deep poverty overflowed into rich generosity. For I testify that they gave according to their ability and even beyond it. Of their own accord, |
| 8 | 1 Chronicles 29:2–3 | Now with all my ability I have made provision for the house of my God—gold for the gold articles, silver for the silver, bronze for the bronze, iron for the iron, and wood for the wood, as well as onyx for the settings, turquoise, stones of various colors, all kinds of precious stones, and slabs of marble—all in abundance. Moreover, because of my delight in the house of my God, I now give for it my personal treasures of gold and silver, over and above all that I have provided for this holy temple: |
| 9 | 1 Chronicles 29:17 | I know, my God, that You test the heart and delight in uprightness. All these things I have given willingly and with an upright heart, and now I have seen Your people who are present here giving joyfully and willingly to You. |
| 10 | Psalms 62:9 | Lowborn men are but a vapor, the exalted but a lie. Weighed on the scale, they go up; together they are but a vapor. |
Proverbs 19:22 Summary
[This verse teaches us that what we truly desire is to love and be loved, and that being honest and kind is more important than having a lot of money or stuff. As it says in Matthew 5:3, being poor in spirit is a blessing, and having a heart full of love and devotion is what truly matters. By following God's example of love and kindness, as seen in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, we can build strong, meaningful relationships with others and with Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have a desire for loving devotion?
The desire for loving devotion refers to a deep longing for kindness, compassion, and genuine love, as seen in the way God loves us, as described in 1 John 4:8 and demonstrated through Jesus' life and teachings in the Gospel of John 13:34-35.
Why is it better to be poor than a liar according to Proverbs 19:22?
It is better to be poor than a liar because honesty and integrity are essential virtues, and lying can lead to spiritual poverty and damage relationships, as warned in Proverbs 10:9 and reinforced in Colossians 3:9-10.
How does this verse relate to my daily life and relationships?
This verse encourages us to prioritize honesty, kindness, and devotion in our interactions with others, reflecting the heart of God, as expressed in Micah 6:8 and lived out in our relationships as described in Ephesians 4:32.
What role does the fear of the Lord play in relation to this verse?
The fear of the Lord, mentioned in the next verse, Proverbs 19:23, is closely related to this verse, as it emphasizes the importance of reverence and respect for God, which guides our actions and decisions, including being truthful and devoted, as seen in Psalm 111:10 and Proverbs 1:7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I can demonstrate loving devotion to those around me, as a reflection of God's love?
- How can I cultivate a heart that values honesty and integrity above material wealth or personal gain?
- In what ways can I show kindness and compassion to those in need, just as God shows kindness to me?
- What are some lies or half-truths that I tell myself or others, and how can I work on replacing them with truth and honesty?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 19:22
The desire of a man [is] his kindness,.... Either the grace and kindness of God, which is, desirable by every sensible man, as being most excellent, and better than life and anything in it; or it is his desire to show kindness.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 19:22
The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar. The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 19:22
The desire of a man; either, 1. Of any or every man. All men desire, and it is desirable, to be in a capacity of being kind and bountiful to others, whereby they gain love and honour, and many other great advantages. Or, 2. Of the poor man, expressed in the next clause. The hearty will or desire of being kind or liberal to others in necessity is all the kindness which a poor man can show, and is accepted by God, and should be owned by men as a real kindness. Compare . Or, 3. Of the rich man, as may be gathered from the opposition of this man to the poor man in the following clause; such ellipses being very common in this book, as hath been noted again and again. So the sense may be this, There be a sort of rich men all whose kindness and charity consists in good desires and well wishes to persons in misery, saying to them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled, but not giving them those things which are needful, as it is expressed, James 2] 6.
And this sense seems to agree very well with the following clause. But being singular in this exposition, I submit it to the judicious reader. A poor man, who is not able to give what he desires to do, is better than a liar; than a rich man, who feeds the poor with good words and fair promises, but doth not perform what he pretends and is able to do.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 19:22
Proverbs 19:22 The desire of a man [is] his kindness: and a poor man [is] better than a liar.Ver. 22. The desire of a man is his kindness.] Or, His mercy. Many have a great mind to be held merciful men, and vainly give out what they would do, if they had wherewith; and perhaps they speak as they think too. This may be one of those many devices, those variae et vance cogitationes in the heart of a man. But the poor man is better than a liar.] For though he hath nothing to give, yet having a giving affection, he is better than a liar, that is, than such a rich man, who, before he was rich, would brag what he would do if he were rich, and yet now is a niggard.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 19:22
(22) The desire of a man is his kindness—i.e., 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. And a poor man (who would do a kindness if he could) is better than a liar.—Than a rich man who could help another, but professes to be unable to do so.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 19:22
22. is his kindness] The R.V. renders, is the measure of his kindness, in order to make the meaning clearer. The “kindness,” or “benevolence” of a man is to be measured, not by what he does, but by what he desires to do (2 Corinthians 8:12). a liar] A poor man who would help but cannot is better than one whose circumstances or promises warrant expectations which are not fulfilled. The proverb holds together better and is more forcible thus than if rendered, with R.V. marg., that which maketh a man to be desired is his kindness.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 19:22
The “liar” is probably the man, who makes false excuses for not giving, and so is inferior to the poor man, whose “desire,” the wish to do good, is taken, in the absence of means to carry it into
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 19:22
22. The desire of a man — The good wishes; “the charm” — Conant. “Pleasure.” — Miller.
Sermons on Proverbs 19:22
| Sermon | Description | |
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As He That Serves by H.J. Vine | H.J. Vine preaches about the eternal Son, Jesus Christ, who came to serve and fulfill the Father's will by offering Himself spotless to God, removing our sins and bringing eternal |
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Obedience and the Way of the Cross by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of falling into the ground and dying to bear much fruit, following the way of the cross, and being filled with the Holy Spirit continuously. I |
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Raising Support by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of financial support for the work of God. He emphasizes the need for a vision in order to make the process of gathering support |
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Resourcing God's Work by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a vision for the work of God. He mentions that while there are many ideas and visions in the Christian world, it is |
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Seeing Material Things From Gods Viewpoint by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of having a righteous and faithful approach towards handling money, drawing insights from biblical teachings. It highlights the need to trust |
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Entire Consecration by Andrew Murray | Andrew Murray emphasizes the profound mystery of entire consecration to God, illustrating that all we possess comes from Him and that our privilege is to return it willingly. He ou |
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Consecration by Andrew Murray | Andrew Murray emphasizes the profound mystery of consecration, illustrating that all we have comes from God, and thus, we are called to willingly give back to Him what is already H |