Proverbs 22:4
What does Proverbs 22:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Proverbs 22:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Proverbs 22:4 means
This proverb connects humility and the fear of Yahweh with receiving wealth, honor, and life. "Humility" here refers to a proper, modest view of oneself before God, acknowledging dependence on Him rather than self-reliance. "Fear of Yahweh" signifies reverence, awe, and obedience to God’s commands, recognizing His ultimate authority. The verse promises that these two qualities together lead to tangible blessings. "Wealth" can be understood broadly as material prosperity or spiritual richness. "Honor" implies respect and high regard from others and from God. "Life" suggests a full, thriving existence, both in this world and eternally, rather than mere survival. These outcomes are presented as direct results of a life lived in reverence and submission to God.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The reward of humility and the fear of Jehovah Isriches, and honor, and life.
KJV
King James Version · 1611By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The reward of humility and the fear of Jehovah Isriches, and honor, and life.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The reward of a gentle spirit and the fear of the Lord is wealth and honour and life.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862The end of humility <FI>is<Fi> the fear of Jehovah, Riches, and honour, and life.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The fruit of humility is the fear of the Lord, riches and glory and life.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The reward of humility [and] the fear of Jehovah is riches, and honour, and life.
Context
Proverbs 22 is part of a larger collection of wisdom sayings, specifically within "the sayings of the wise" (Proverbs 22:17-24:34). Immediately preceding this verse, Proverbs 22:1-3 discusses the value of a good name, the distinction between rich and poor, and the foresight of the prudent. Following it, verses 5-6 delve into the dangers of the crooked path and the importance of training up a child. Proverbs 22:4 serves as a foundational statement, setting a moral and spiritual principle that undergirds many of the practical admonitions in the surrounding verses, highlighting the divine reward for virtuous living and wise conduct as a core theme of the chapter.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Proverbs 21:21
He that followeth after righteousness and kindness Findeth life, righteousness, and honor.
- Isaiah 33:6
And there shall be stability in thy times, abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge: the fear of Jehovah is thy treasure.
- 1 Timothy 4:8
for bodily exercise is profitable for a little; but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life which now is, and of that which is to come.
- James 4:6
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore the scripture saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.
- Matthew 6:33
But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
- Psalms 34:9
Oh fear Jehovah, ye his saints; For there is no want to them that fear him.
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