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 as Proverbs 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).

1. Solomon
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.

2. Ancient Israel
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.

3. The Wise and the Foolish
Throughout Proverbs, these two archetypes are used to contrast those who live according to God's wisdom and those who reject it.Value of Integrity
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.

Loving Devotion
The Hebrew word for "loving devotion" (chesed) implies loyalty, kindness, and faithfulness. This is what God desires from us, reflecting His own character.

Contentment in Simplicity
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.

God's Perspective on Wealth
Earthly wealth is temporary and can lead to moral compromise. God's perspective values character and integrity over financial success.

Truthfulness as a Witness
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.(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 ...

The desire
תַּאֲוַ֣ת (ta·’ă·waṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8378: A longing, a delight

of a man
אָדָ֣ם (’ā·ḏām)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being

is loving devotion;
חַסְדּ֑וֹ (ḥas·dōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2617: Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty

better
וְטֽוֹב־ (wə·ṭō·wḇ-)
Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

to be poor
רָ֝שׁ (rāš)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7326: To be in want or poor

than
מֵאִ֥ישׁ (mê·’îš)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

a liar.
כָּזָֽב׃ (kā·zāḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3577: A lie, falsehood, deceptive thing


Proverbs 19:22 NIV
Proverbs 19:22 NLT
Proverbs 19:22 ESV
Proverbs 19:22 NASB
Proverbs 19:22 KJV

Proverbs 19:22 BibleApps.com
Proverbs 19:22 Biblia Paralela
Proverbs 19:22 Chinese Bible
Proverbs 19:22 French Bible
Proverbs 19:22 Catholic Bible

OT Poetry: Proverbs 19:22 That which makes a man to be (Prov. Pro Pr)