Proverbs 19:22

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about being poor and lying:

Proverbs 19:22 (ESV)

What is desired in a man is steadfast love,

and a poor man is better than a liar.

So, if I read this proverb correctly, being poor trumps being a liar and being kind trumps them both! I can see how kindness can trump either one but why are these three characteristics used in concert with each other? Take a look at each and look what the Holy Spirit is providing us. Lying is deception in motion. The heart is deceitful and is revealed by a crooked tongue. Being poor trumps a deceptive heart because being poor is not a situation of heart but a situation of circumstances. Obviously, being kind returns back to the heart. I think what the writer is telling us is that the greatest "desire" in man is to show kindness becuase that shows a heart that is seeking a heart like God. Kindness is an act of giving and sacrifice. But, even if you have nothing to show kindness with, because you are poor, is better than if you are a liar ... a liar boast about being kind but doesn't do it because his heart is corrupt. Someone rich, who has the means to be kind but doesn't show it through his kindness is a liar. He can boast of great giving, but when he doesn't come through with that giving in acts of kindness he is a liar. Better to be poor than that! So, show kindness with what you have. Even if you are poor. That demonstrates the heart of God.