(箴言 19:22)
“施行仁慈的，令人愛慕．窮人強如說謊言的。”
在希伯來文的原意中，這代表一個人的性格特質若要得到人的尊敬和神的喜愛，關鍵在於持守良善與忠誠的愛。下半句提到說謊言的人，在當時的語境是指那些口惠而實不至的富有階層，他們雖然口說要幫助窮人、行善事，實際上卻沒有任何行動，就像口渴的人走到溪流前卻發現毫無泉水一樣，給人虛假的承諾。
相反地，一個物質匱乏、沒有社會地位的窮人，如果能夠保持一顆良善與信實的心，盡力去實踐善行，這種性格無論在人或神眼中都是非常寶貴的。這節經文正是鼓勵我們不要信口開河，不要給人虛假的承諾，而是要以真誠、守信用的心來對待身邊的人。
(Proverbs 19:22)
“The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.”
In the original Hebrew context, this means that for a person’s character traits to earn the respect of people and the favor of God, the key lies in upholding goodness and loyal love. The second half of the verse mentions a liar, which in the context of that era referred to the wealthy class who offered lip service without actual substance. Although they claimed they would help the poor and do good deeds, they practically took no action. It is just like a thirsty person walking up to a brook only to find it completely dried up, giving people false promises.
Conversely, a poor person who lacks material wealth and has no social status, if they can maintain a good and faithful heart and do their best to practice deeds of kindness, such a character is extremely precious in the eyes of both people and God. This verse precisely encourages us not to speak thoughtlessly or give people empty promises, but instead to treat those around us with a sincere and trustworthy heart.
