Proverbs 22:4
Proverbs 22:4 in Multiple Translations
The rewards of humility and the fear of the LORD are wealth and honor and life.
By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.
The reward of humility and the fear of Jehovah Is riches, and honor, and life.
The reward of a gentle spirit and the fear of the Lord is wealth and honour and life.
The reward you receive for being humble and respecting the Lord is wealth, honor, and life.
The rewarde of humilitie, and the feare of God is riches, and glory, and life.
The end of humility [is] the fear of Jehovah, Riches, and honour, and life.
The result of humility and the fear of the LORD is wealth, honor, and life.
By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honor, and life.
The fruit of humility is the fear of the Lord, riches and glory and life.
The reward that Yahweh gives to those who are humble and who revere him is that he causes them to be rich and honored and to live for a long time.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 22:4
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 22:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עֵ֣קֶב
עֲ֭נָוָה
יִרְאַ֣ת
יְהוָ֑ה
עֹ֖שֶׁר
וְ/כָב֣וֹד
וְ/חַיִּֽים
עֵ֣קֶב
ʻêqeb
H6118
consequence
N-ms
עֲ֭נָוָה
ʻănâvâh
H6038
humility
N-fs
יִרְאַ֣ת
yirʼâh
H3374
fear
N-fs
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
עֹ֖שֶׁר
ʻôsher
H6239
riches
N-ms
וְ/כָב֣וֹד
kâbôwd
H3519
glory
Conj | N-cs
וְ/חַיִּֽים
chay
H2416
alive
Conj | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 22:4
עֵ֣קֶב
ʻêqeb
H6118
"consequence"
N-ms
This word refers to a consequence or result of something, often used to describe a reward or payment. It is used in Genesis 49:19, where Gad's reward is described. The word can also mean 'because' or 'on account of'.
Definition: 1) consequence 1a) consequence 1b) consequence, gain, reward 1c) end adv 2) as a consequence, because, consequently conj 3) as a consequence of, that, because
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] because, by, end, for, if, reward. See also: Genesis 22:18; Psalms 19:12; Psalms 40:16.
עֲ֭נָוָה
ʻănâvâh
H6038
"humility"
N-fs
This word describes humility, referring to a modest or humble mindset, whether in humans or as a divine trait of God's clemency.
Definition: humility, meekness Also means: an.vah (עַנְוָה "gentleness" H6037)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: gentleness, humility, meekness. See also: Proverbs 15:33; Proverbs 22:4; Proverbs 18:12.
יִרְאַ֣ת
yirʼâh
H3374
"fear"
N-fs
This Hebrew word for fear can also mean reverence or respect, especially when it comes to God. It's used to describe a feeling of awe or terror, and is often translated as 'fear' or 'dreadful' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) fear, terror, fearing 1a) fear, terror 1b) awesome or terrifying thing (object causing fear) 1c) fear (of God), respect, reverence, piety 1d) revered
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] dreadful, [idiom] exceedingly, fear(-fulness). See also: Genesis 20:11; Proverbs 1:29; Psalms 2:11.
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
עֹ֖שֶׁר
ʻôsher
H6239
"riches"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means wealth or riches, like the treasures King Solomon had in 1 Kings 10:23. It refers to an abundance of valuable things. The KJV Bible uses it to describe riches and wealth.
Definition: wealth, riches
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] far (richer), riches. See also: Genesis 31:16; Proverbs 3:16; Psalms 49:7.
וְ/כָב֣וֹד
kâbôwd
H3519
"glory"
Conj | N-cs
Glory refers to great honor or splendor, often used to describe God's majesty, as in Psalm 138:5 where David praises God's glorious name. It can also refer to wealth or abundance, like in Genesis 31:1 where Jacob's wealth is described.
Definition: 1) glory, honour, glorious, abundance 1a) abundance, riches 1b) honour, splendour, glory 1c) honour, dignity 1d) honour, reputation 1e) honour, reverence, glory 1f) glory
Usage: Occurs in 189 OT verses. KJV: glorious(-ly), glory, honour(-able). See also: Genesis 31:1; Psalms 113:4; Psalms 3:4.
וְ/חַיִּֽים
chay
H2416
"alive"
Conj | N-mp
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
Study Notes — Proverbs 22:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 22:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 22:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 22:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 22:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 22:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 22:4
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 22:4
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 22:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 22:4
- Sermons on Proverbs 22:4
Context — A Good Name
2The rich and the poor have this in common: The LORD is Maker of them all.
3The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences.
4The rewards of humility and the fear of the LORD are wealth and honor and life.
5Thorns and snares lie on the path of the perverse; he who guards his soul stays far from them. 6Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 6:33 | But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. |
| 2 | James 4:10 | Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you. |
| 3 | Psalms 34:9–10 | Fear the LORD, you His saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing. Young lions go lacking and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. |
| 4 | Proverbs 21:21 | He who pursues righteousness and loving devotion finds life, righteousness, and honor. |
| 5 | Psalms 112:1–3 | Hallelujah! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in His commandments. His descendants will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever. |
| 6 | Isaiah 57:15 | For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in a high and holy place, and with the oppressed and humble in spirit, to restore the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the contrite. |
| 7 | Isaiah 33:6 | He will be the sure foundation for your times, a storehouse of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the LORD is Zion’s treasure. |
| 8 | Proverbs 3:16 | Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. |
| 9 | James 4:6 | But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” |
| 10 | 1 Timothy 4:8 | For physical exercise is of limited value, but godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for the present life and for the one to come. |
Proverbs 22:4 Summary
[This verse is saying that when we are humble and have a deep respect for God, He will bless us with a rich and fulfilling life, as well as honor and wealth that truly matter (Psalms 37:3-4). It's not just about what we get, but about who we become when we follow God and humble ourselves before Him (Matthew 5:3-12). By fearing the LORD and being humble, we can experience a life that is full of purpose and joy, and that honors God (Proverbs 19:23).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to fear the LORD in Proverbs 22:4?
Fearing the LORD means having a deep respect and reverence for God, recognizing His power and authority over our lives, as seen in Psalms 111:10, which says that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.
How can humility lead to wealth and honor?
Humility leads to wealth and honor because it allows us to recognize our dependence on God and submit to His will, as stated in Proverbs 22:4, and as seen in the life of King Solomon, who humbled himself before God and was rewarded with wisdom and wealth, as recorded in 1 Kings 3:5-14.
What kind of life is promised in Proverbs 22:4?
The life promised in Proverbs 22:4 is not just physical life, but a life that is rich in spiritual blessings and fulfillment, as seen in John 10:10, where Jesus promises that He came to give us life abundantly.
Is this verse promising that all humble and God-fearing people will be wealthy?
No, this verse is not promising that all humble and God-fearing people will be wealthy in a material sense, but rather that they will be rich in spiritual blessings and will be honored by God, as seen in Matthew 5:3-12, where Jesus teaches that the blessed are those who are poor in spirit, mourn, and are persecuted for righteousness' sake.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to practice humility and recognize my dependence on God?
- How can I cultivate a deeper fear of the LORD in my life, and what are some practical ways to demonstrate this fear?
- What are some ways that I can submit to God's will and trust in His sovereignty, even when things don't make sense?
- How can I prioritize spiritual wealth and honor over material wealth and earthly recognition?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 22:4
By humility [and] the fear of the Lord,.... Some render it, "the reward of humility, which [is] the fear of the Lord" (r); so the Targum; an humble man is blessed with it.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 22:4
By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 22:4
By humility; or, because of humility; or, as many others render it, the reward of humility; that reward which God hath graciously promised and will give to humility; which is a grace of great price in God’ s eyes. See . The fear of the Lord; by which he distinguisheth true and Christian humility from counterfeit and moral humility, because that ariseth from a deep sense of God’ s greatness, and purity, and perfection, compared with our meanness, and filthiness and manifold imperfections, whereas this is quite of another nature, and from other grounds. Life; the comforts of this life, and the happiness of the next, both which are promised to godliness, .
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 22:4
Proverbs 22:4 By humility [and] the fear of the LORD [are] riches, and honour, and life.Ver. 4. By humility and the fear of the Lord.] Heb., The heel of humility, &c. The humble heart that lies low, and "hearkens what God the Lord will say unto it," that follows him trembling, as the people followed Saul, shall have hard at the heels of it riches - a sufficiency, if not a superfluity - and honour, which is to be chosen before riches, and life, above the danger of those thorns and snares mentioned in the next verse; not life present only, but "length of days for ever and ever." Oh the μυριομακαριοτης, the heaped up happiness of a man that humbles and trembles before the Lord! He that doth the former, cannot but do the latter. Hence that close connection of these two graces in this text, "By humility, the fear of the Lord"; so the original runs without the grammatical copulative and, to show that they go always together - yea, the one is as it were predicated upon the other. Neither want they their reward - "riches," "hohour," "life." What things be these? Who would not turn spiritual purchaser?
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 22:4
(4) By humility and the fear of the Lord.—Rather, by (or, the reward of) humility is the fear of the Lord. He guides the humble and teaches them His fear. (Comp. Psalms 25:9.) Honour, and life.—Comp. Proverbs 21:21.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 22:4
4. By humility &c.] Rather, The reward of humility and (or, even) of the fear of the Lord. The copula and is dispensed with in the Heb. because of the similarity, amounting almost to identity, of humility and the fear of Jehovah. Comp. Matthew 5:3; Matthew 5:5.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 22:4
Better, (compare the margin) The reward of humility (is) the fear of the Lord, “riches, and honor, and life.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 22:4
4. By humility — On account of; or, as the reward of, “humility.” The fear of the Lord — There is no conjunction between these two phrases, and some think that the latter stands in apposition to the
Sermons on Proverbs 22:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(2006 Conference) 6.the Need in Our Midst Today by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of raising up godly leaders in churches, highlighting the joy of seeing humble brothers whom God has blessed without becoming proud. It warns |
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Cross Talk Show 1 - Part 2 by K.P. Yohannan | This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility and recognizing that all success and accomplishments come from God. It highlights the need to focus on knowing and loving Jesus ab |
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Draw Yourself a Circle Around Your Life by Steve Hill | Steve Hill shares his personal journey of being a drug addict saved by grace and emphasizes the importance of humility and approaching God with reverence. He delves into the biblic |
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Pitfalls in Ministry by Michael L. Brown by Micheal L. Brown | This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility, teachability, and staying low before the Lord to avoid falling into moral failures or leading a double life. It highlights the ne |
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Humility Indeed by Jason Bellard | This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility and sincerity in our worship, highlighting the need to align our hearts with our actions. It challenges the congregation to examin |
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Eight Ways of Deceiving Ourselves - Part 2 by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the danger of falling away from the faith by being deceived by spirits, highlighting the importance of humility and a pure heart in understanding divine wisd |
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(Sermon Clip) Having True Humility That Pleases God by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility before God, highlighting that true humility is recognizing God's greatness and our own insignificance. It discusses the process of |