The desire of a man is loving devotion;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 (
Matthew 22:37-39) and reflects the nature of God, who is described as love (1
John 4:8). 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.
better to be poor than a liar.
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 asProverbs 28:6, 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 (John 14:6).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally 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.
2.
Ancient IsraelThe 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.
3.
The Wise and the FoolishThroughout Proverbs, these two archetypes are used to contrast those who live according to God's wisdom and those who reject it.
Teaching Points
Value of IntegrityIntegrity 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.
Loving DevotionThe Hebrew word for "loving devotion" (chesed) implies loyalty, kindness, and faithfulness. This is what God desires from us, reflecting His own character.
Contentment in SimplicityEmbrace 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.
God's Perspective on WealthEarthly wealth is temporary and can lead to moral compromise. God's perspective values character and integrity over financial success.
Truthfulness as a WitnessLiving truthfully serves as a powerful witness to others about the transformative power of the Gospel. It reflects the character of Christ in our lives.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 19:22?
2.How does Proverbs 19:22 define true kindness in our daily interactions?
3.Why is being "poor" yet honest valued over being a "liar" in Proverbs 19:22?
4.How can Proverbs 19:22 guide us in choosing integrity over deceit?
5.What other Proverbs emphasize honesty and integrity as seen in Proverbs 19:22?
6.How can we apply the principle of honesty from Proverbs 19:22 in business?
7.What does Proverbs 19:22 reveal about the nature of human desires and kindness?
8.How does Proverbs 19:22 challenge our understanding of wealth and integrity?
9.Why is kindness prioritized over wealth in Proverbs 19:22?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 19?
11.When is it appropriate to love or hate?
12.Proverbs 5:19: Does likening a wife to a 'loving doe' and 'graceful deer' suggest objectification, conflicting with broader biblical claims of respect for all?
13.Proverbs 22:10: How do we reconcile the call to 'drive out the mocker' with the New Testament emphasis on love, forgiveness, and inclusion?
14.What does the Bible say about forbidding marriage?What Does Proverbs 19:22 Mean
the desire of a manEvery heart longs for something lasting. Scripture reminds us that we were created for relationship—first with God and then with one another (Genesis 1:27;Matthew 22:37-39). This built-in yearning goes deeper than momentary pleasure or material gain; it seeks the security of steadfast love. David voices that same ache: “Your loving devotion is better than life” (Psalm 63:3). Solomon’s opening words point out that a person’s truest desire is not wealth, applause, or power, but genuine, reliable affection.
is loving devotionThe verse immediately defines what satisfies that desire: “loving devotion” (also rendered kindness or steadfast love). In practical terms it looks like:
• loyalty that endures hardship (Ruth 1:16-17)
• compassion that acts, not just feels (1 John 3:18)
• faithfulness that mirrors God’s covenant love (Exodus 34:6;Lamentations 3:22-23)
WhenProverbs 3:3-4 urges, “Do not let loving devotion and faithfulness leave you,” it echoes this same truth—nothing fosters stronger relationships or deeper contentment than consistent, sacrificial love.
better to be poorSolomon contrasts character with cash. Possessions can vanish (Proverbs 23:5), yet integrity endures. Over and over, Scripture elevates righteousness above riches: “Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and turmoil with it” (Proverbs 15:16; see alsoJames 2:5;Luke 12:15). Poverty may limit lifestyle, but it does not limit a life filled with grace and honor.
than a liarA lie fractures trust, the very thing loving devotion is built upon. God “detests lying lips” (Proverbs 12:22) and warns that habitual deceit bars a person from His presence (Psalm 15:1-2;Revelation 21:8). A liar may secure short-term advantage, yet he sacrifices the very relationship he craves. Choosing poverty with honesty preserves fellowship with both God and neighbor (Ephesians 4:25), while deceit ruins both.
summaryProverbs 19:22 teaches that what people truly long for is steadfast, reliable love. Such devotion is nurtured by honesty, not by wealth or pretense. It is better to have empty pockets and a clear conscience than full coffers built on lies, because real fulfillment flows from relationships anchored in truth and covenant-like loyalty.
(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.
Verse 22. -
The desire of a man is his kind. nose. The Revised Version rather paraphrases the clause,
The desire of a man is the measure of his kindness;
i.e. the wish and intention to do good is that which gives its real value to an act. The word for "kindness" is
chesed, "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,
Homo indigens misericors est, 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) -
"Non ignara mali miseris succurrere disco."A poor man is better than a liar. 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.Proverbs 3:27, 28). 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).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The desireתַּאֲוַ֣ת(ta·’ă·waṯ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8378:A longing, a delightof a manאָדָ֣ם(’ā·ḏām)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120:Ruddy, a human beingis loving devotion;חַסְדּ֑וֹ(ḥas·dōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2617:Kindness, piety, reproof, beautybetterוְטֽוֹב־(wə·ṭō·wḇ-)Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2896:Pleasant, agreeable, goodto be poorרָ֝שׁ(rāš)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7326:To be in want or poorthanמֵאִ֥ישׁ(mê·’îš)Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 376:A man as an individual, a male persona liar.כָּזָֽב׃(kā·zāḇ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3577:A lie, falsehood, deceptive thing
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 19:22 That which makes a man to be (Prov. Pro Pr) 
