What other Proverbs emphasize honesty and integrity as seen in Proverbs 19:22? Why Proverbs 19:22 Matters Proverbs 19:22 reminds us, “What is desirable in a man is loving devotion; better to be a poor man than a liar”. God values truthfulness so highly that even poverty is preferable to dishonesty. Scripture never treats that contrast as hyperbole—it is literal, practical guidance for everyday life. Other Proverbs Highlighting Honesty and Integrity Look at the rich tapestry the rest of Proverbs weaves around this same theme: • Proverbs 10:9 — “He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out.” • Proverbs 11:1 — “Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight.” • Proverbs 11:3 — “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the faithless destroys them.” • Proverbs 12:22 — “Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight.” • Proverbs 13:6 — “Righteousness guards the man of integrity, but wickedness undermines the sinner.” • Proverbs 16:11 — “Honest scales and balances belong to the LORD; all the weights in the bag are His concern.” • Proverbs 20:7 — “The righteous man walks with integrity; blessed are his children after him.” • Proverbs 20:10 — “Differing weights and differing measures—both are detestable to the LORD.” • Proverbs 20:23 — “Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, and a false weight is not good.” • Proverbs 21:6 — “Making a fortune by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor, a deadly snare.” • Proverbs 24:26 — “An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.” • Proverbs 28:6 — “Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse.” • Proverbs 28:18 — “He who walks with integrity will be kept safe, but he whose ways are crooked will suddenly fall.” Threads That Tie These Proverbs Together • Honesty delights the LORD; dishonesty disgusts Him. • Integrity brings security, blessing, and guidance. • Deception may bring momentary gain, but it always leads to exposure, loss, and judgment. • True wealth is measured by character, not by bank accounts. Living It Out Today • Speak truth even when it costs you; God promises security to the upright (Proverbs 10:9). • Conduct business with transparent fairness; the LORD weighs every transaction (Proverbs 11:1; 16:11). • Model integrity at home; it becomes a generational blessing (Proverbs 20:7). • Measure success by faithfulness to God’s standards, not by worldly metrics (Proverbs 28:6). Supporting Scriptures echo the same call: “You shall not bear false witness” (Exodus 20:16), “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor” (Ephesians 4:25), and “Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices” (Colossians 3:9). God’s Word is clear: honesty isn’t merely recommended—it’s required for anyone who seeks to walk in His wisdom and experience His favor. |
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