Kindness

Proverbs 19:22 The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar. 

‘The desire of a man is his kindness.’ What truly measures a person’s worth is not riches, power, or outward show, but the heart’s disposition toward kindness, mercy, and goodwill (Mic. 6:8; 1Cor. 13:3).

The word “desire” here can mean longing, delight, or goodwill. A man’s character is revealed by his willingness to show kindness, not merely by what he possesses. True kindness flows from inner desire rather than external compulsion. Kindness is the currency of true character.

‘Is better…’  Proverbs often uses comparative sayings (“better than”) to show priorities of wisdom. There are seventeen “better” things stated in Proverbs and include contrasts such as: Better is little with the fear of the LORD, than great treasure and trouble therewith (15:16). Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith (15:17). Better is a poor man that walketh in his integrity, than a perverse rich man (19:1). Here (19:22), a poor man with kindness is better than a liar. This theme stresses the quality of character over the quantity of possessions.

‘A poor man is better than a liar.’  Poverty, though despised by men, is morally superior to lying and deceit. Better to be poor and truthful than rich and dishonest (12:22; 19:1).

Poverty is a circumstance, but lying is a sin; therefore, the poor man is better off before God.