The rewards of humilityHumility is a central theme throughout the Bible, often associated with wisdom and favor from God. In the ancient Near Eastern context, humility was not just a personal virtue but a social expectation, especially in relation to one's status before God and others. Biblical figures like Moses and David exemplify humility, acknowledging their dependence on God. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is the ultimate model of humility, as seen in
Philippians 2:5-8, where He humbles Himself by becoming obedient to death. Humility is often contrasted with pride, which leads to downfall, as seen in
Proverbs 16:18.
and the fear of the LORD
The fear of the LORD is a foundational concept in wisdom literature, signifying reverence, awe, and submission to God's will. It is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom (Proverbs 1:7, 9:10). This fear is not about being afraid but about recognizing God's holiness and authority. In the historical context of Israel, the fear of the LORD was integral to the covenant relationship between God and His people, guiding their worship and obedience. It is a theme that runs throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's life with God's commands.
are wealth and honor and life.
In the biblical context, wealth, honor, and life are seen as blessings from God, often associated with righteousness and obedience. Wealth is not merely material but includes spiritual richness and contentment. Honor involves respect and a good reputation, both before God and people. Life refers to both the quality and longevity of life, often linked to peace and fulfillment. These rewards are not guaranteed in a material sense but are understood as the natural outcomes of living in accordance with God's wisdom. The New Testament echoes this in passages likeMatthew 6:33, where seeking God's kingdom first leads to receiving what is needed.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His writings often focus on practical living and the pursuit of wisdom.
2.
IsraelThe nation to whom the Proverbs were originally addressed, providing guidance for living in accordance with God's laws.
3.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing His relationship with Israel and His role as the ultimate source of wisdom and blessing.
Teaching Points
The Value of HumilityHumility is not just a virtue but a pathway to receiving God's blessings. It involves recognizing our dependence on God and submitting to His will.
The Fear of the LORDThis is a reverential awe and respect for God, acknowledging His power, authority, and holiness. It is foundational for a life that is aligned with God's purposes.
Rewards of Righteous LivingThe verse promises tangible rewards—wealth, honor, and life—to those who live humbly and fear the LORD. These rewards may manifest in various forms, including spiritual richness and eternal life.
Practical HumilityPracticing humility involves serving others, putting their needs above our own, and being teachable. It requires a daily commitment to live in a way that honors God.
Living in ReverenceCultivating a fear of the LORD involves regular prayer, studying Scripture, and aligning our actions with God's commands. It is a lifestyle of worship and obedience.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 22:4?
2.How can humility and fear of the Lord shape our daily decisions?
3.What are the "riches, honor, and life" promised in Proverbs 22:4?
4.How does Proverbs 22:4 connect with Jesus' teachings on humility?
5.In what ways can we cultivate humility in our relationships with others?
6.How does fearing the Lord influence our pursuit of success and wealth?
7.How does Proverbs 22:4 define the relationship between humility and the fear of the LORD?
8.What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 22:4?
9.How does archaeology support the teachings found in Proverbs 22:4?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 22?
11.Proverbs 22:4: If humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches and honor, why do many humble believers remain in poverty or face hardship?
12.Who finds true happiness in humility and righteousness?
13.What does the Bible say about greatness and smallness?
14.What does the Bible say about greatness and smallness?What Does Proverbs 22:4 Mean
The rewards“The rewards” signals that God is not indifferent to our attitudes. He gladly gives tangible outcomes when we walk His way.Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that “He rewards those who earnestly seek Him,” and Jesus assures inMatthew 6:33 that “all these things will be added to you” when we prioritize His kingdom. Scripture consistently ties obedience to blessing, never as a bribe, but as a loving Father’s response to trust.
of humilityHumility is knowing our proper place before God and others.
•James 4:6 declares, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
•1 Peter 5:6 urges, “Humble yourselves under God’s mighty hand, that He may exalt you in due time.”
• Jesus states inMatthew 23:12, “Whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
The pathway downward—servant‐heartedness, teachability, repentance—is the very road God lifts up.
and the fear of the LORDHealthy, reverent awe forms the other half of the equation.Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,” andProverbs 9:10 echoes that this fear is “the beginning of wisdom.”Isaiah 33:6 calls it our “treasure.” When we truly revere Him, we gladly align every area of life under His authority.
are wealthGod links humility and reverence to “wealth.”Proverbs 10:22 assures, “The blessing of the LORD enriches, and He adds no sorrow to it.”Deuteronomy 8:18 reminds us it is He “who gives you power to gain wealth.” While riches may include material provision, they also encompass contentment, generosity, and the resources necessary to fulfill His purposes.
and honorHonor speaks of esteem, reputation, and divine favor.Proverbs 15:33 teaches, “Before honor comes humility.” God declared in1 Samuel 2:30, “Those who honor Me I will honor.” Walking humbly and reverently positions us for respect that cannot be manufactured—esteem that points others back to Him.
and lifeFinally, God promises “life.” Jesus contrasts the thief’s destruction with His offer of “life in all its fullness” inJohn 10:10.Proverbs 3:7-8 connects fearing the LORD with “health to your body and nourishment to your bones,” whilePsalm 16:11 celebrates that “in Your presence is fullness of joy.” True life is vibrant, abundant, and eternal—now and forever.
summaryProverbs 22:4 strings together a powerful sequence: when humility and reverent awe of the LORD characterize us, God responds with provision, esteem, and vibrant life. He delights to bless those who bow low before Him and lift Him high above all else.
(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.
Psalm 25:9.)
Honour, and life.--Comp.Proverbs 21:21.
Verse 4. -
By humility and the fear of the Lord, etc. This does not seem to be the best rendering of the original. The word rendered "by" (
עֵקֶבekeb), "in reward of," is also taken as the subject of the sentence: "The reward of humility ['and,' or, 'which is'] the fear of God, is riches," etc. There is no copulative in the clause, and a similar asyndeton occurs in ver. 5; so there is no reason why we should not regard the clause in this way. Thus Revised Version, Nowack, and others. But Delitzsch makes the first hemistich a concluded sentence, which the second member carries on thus: "The reward of humility is the fear of the Lord; it [the reward of humility] is at the same time riches," etc. Vulgate,
Finis modestiae timor Domini, divitiae et gloria et vita; Septuagint, "The generation (
γενεὰ) of wisdom is the fear of the Lord, and wealth," etc. It is preferable to translate as above, taking the two expressed virtues as appositional, thus: "The reward of humility, the fear of the Lord." Humility brings with it true religion, which is expressed by "the fear of the Lord." The feeling of dependence, the lowly opinion of self, the surrender of the will, the conviction of sin, all effects which are connected with humility, may well be represented by this term, "the fear of God," which, in another aspect, is itself the source of every virtue and every blessing;
it is riches, and honour, and life. These are God's gifts, the guerdon of faithful service (see notes on Proverbs 3:16 and Proverbs 21:21; and comp.
Proverbs 8:18). The Easterns have a pretty maxim, "The bending of the humble is the graceful droop of the branches laden with fruit." And again, "Fruitful trees bend down; the wise stoop; a dry stick and a fool can be broken, not bent" (Lane).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The rewardsעֵ֣קֶב(‘ê·qeḇ)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6118:A heel, the last of anything, result, compensation, on account ofof humilityעֲ֭נָוָה(‘ă·nā·wāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6038:Condescension[and] the fearיִרְאַ֣ת(yir·’aṯ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3374:Fear, reverenceof the LORDיְהוָ֑ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel[are] wealthעֹ֖שֶׁר(‘ō·šer)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6239:Wealthand honorוְכָב֣וֹד(wə·ḵā·ḇō·wḏ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3519:Weight, splendor, copiousnessand life.וְחַיִּֽים׃(wə·ḥay·yîm)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2416:Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life
Links
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 22:4 The result of humility and the fear (Prov. Pro Pr) 
