Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 19:22 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" That which makes a man to be desired is his kindness. A poor man is better than a liar. "
Proverbs 19:22
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
20 Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter end.
21 There are many plans in a man’s heart, but the LORD’s counsel will prevail.
22 That which makes a man to be desired is his kindness. A poor man is better than a liar.
23 The fear of the LORD leads to life, then contentment; he rests and will not be touched by trouble.
24 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
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1. The honor of doing good is something we may rightly aim for. If a person has even a spark of virtue, he should want to be kind. A person might even wish for wealth mainly so he can help the poor and be useful to his friends.
2. It is far better to have a willing heart to do good and lack the means, than to have the means and lack the will. A person's desire to be kind, charitable, and generous counts as real kindness, and it will be treated that way. God and people accept sincere good will according to what a person has, and they do not ask for more than that.
A poor man who truly wishes you well, though he can promise nothing because he has nothing to give, is better than a liar. He is better than a rich man who makes great promises, but does nothing when the time comes. In this sense, the lowly man, who is expected to do little, is better than the man of high position, who proves false and disappoints the trust he raised.
From This Chapter
Proverbs 19:1
"Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is perverse in his lips and is a fool."
Proverbs 19:2
"It isn’t good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty with one’s feet and miss the way."
Proverbs 19:3
"The foolishness of man subverts his way; his heart rages against the LORD."
Proverbs 19:4
"Wealth adds many friends, but the poor is separated from his friend."
Proverbs 19:5
"A false witness shall not be unpunished. He who pours out lies shall not go free."
Proverbs 19:6
"Many will entreat the favor of a ruler, and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts."
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