Proverbs 22:4

Commentary on Proverbs 22:4

Text (King James Version):
“By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.” — Proverbs 22:4

1. Setting Proverbs 22:4 in Its Biblical Context

Proverbs 22[i] sits within a collection of sayings attributed to King Solomon, shaped by the Spirit to form a school of godly wisdom. The chapter emphasises themes such as integrity, justice, humility, stewardship, and the fear of the LORD. These themes are woven together to show that wisdom is not merely intellectual but deeply moral and spiritual.

A few key verses in the chapter help frame verse 4:

• Proverbs 22:1
  “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.”
  This verse sets the tone: true wealth is moral and spiritual, not merely material.
• Proverbs 22:2
  “The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.”
  This reminds us that God is sovereign over all people and circumstances.
• Proverbs 22:3
  “A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.”
  Wisdom involves humility, teachability, and a willingness to heed God’s warnings.

Into this flow comes verse 4, which explains the heart posture that leads to the blessings God delights to give.

2. Exegetical Insights into Proverbs 22:4

“By humility…”

The Hebrew word carries the sense of lowliness, meekness, and a willingness to be taught. In Christian theology, humility is the fruit of recognising God’s holiness and our dependence on Him. It is the opposite of self-reliance and pride.

Scripture consistently affirms this posture:

• Proverbs 3:34
  “Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.”
• James 4:6
  “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”

Humility is not self-hatred; it is a right view of oneself before God.

“…and the fear of the LORD…”

This is a foundational theme in Proverbs. The fear of the LORD is reverent awe, loving obedience, and a deep desire not to grieve God.

• Proverbs 1:7
  “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

In Christian understanding, the fear of the LORD is the fruit of regeneration. It is the Spirit’s work in the heart, producing reverence, trust, and obedience.

“…are riches, and honour, and life.”

These blessings must be understood through the lens of biblical theology.

• Riches: Not a guarantee of material wealth, but the fullness of God’s provision. This includes spiritual riches in Christ, contentment, and God’s faithful care.
• Honour: The esteem that comes from God and from living a life of integrity.
• Life: Not merely physical life, but the flourishing that comes from walking in God’s ways, ultimately pointing to eternal life.

This verse does not teach prosperity theology. Instead, it teaches that God delights to bless those who walk humbly and reverently before Him, and that His blessings are richer and deeper than worldly success.

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3. Theological Teaching

1. God-centred living produces God-given blessing

Humility and the fear of the LORD are not human achievements but Spirit-wrought dispositions. They align the believer with God’s will and open the way for His fatherly care.

2. True wealth is spiritual before it is material

Proverbs 22:1 reminds us that a good name is better than riches. Verse 4 continues this theme by showing that God’s blessings are holistic and grounded in character, not possessions.

3. The gospel shapes our understanding of humility

Jesus Christ embodies perfect humility:

• Philippians 2:8
  “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

Through union with Christ, believers are called to walk in His humility and reverence.

4. The fear of the LORD is relational

It is not terror but reverent love. It is the posture of a child who trusts the Father and desires to honour Him.

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4. Application to Modern Christian Living

1. Cultivate humility through daily repentance

Humility grows when we acknowledge our sin, confess our need, and rest in Christ’s grace. Repentance is not a one-off event but a lifestyle.

2. Practise the fear of the LORD in everyday decisions

Ask:

• Does this honour God?
• Does this reflect trust in Him?
• Does this align with His Word?

This applies to work, relationships, finances, and speech.

3. Redefine success

In a culture obsessed with achievement, Proverbs 22:4 calls believers to measure life by faithfulness, not status.

4. Trust God’s fatherly provision

Riches, honour, and life come from God’s hand. This frees believers from anxiety and striving. It encourages generosity, contentment, and gratitude.

5. Model humility and reverence in community

Churches flourish when believers treat one another with gentleness, patience, and respect. Humility is contagious and builds unity.

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5. Meditation Guide

Reflect

Read Proverbs 22:4 slowly:
“By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.”
Ask God to show you where pride or self-reliance has crept in.

Pray

• “LORD, give me a humble heart.”
• “Teach me to fear You rightly.”
• “Help me trust Your provision.”

Act

Choose one area of life where you can practise humility today:

• Apologise where needed.
• Listen before speaking.
• Serve without seeking recognition.

Rest

Thank God that in Christ you already possess the richest blessings: forgiveness, adoption, and eternal life.

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[i] Proverbs 22

King James Version

22 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

2 The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all.

3 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

4 By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.

5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.

6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

8 He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.

9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

10 Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.

11 He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.

12 The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.

13 The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.

14 The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.

15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

16 He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.

17 Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.

18 For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.

19 That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.

20 Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,

21 That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?

22 Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:

23 For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.

24 Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:

25 Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.

26 Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.

27 If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?

28 Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.

29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.