What a Person Desires is Unfailing Love; Better to Be Poor Than a Liar": The Power of Integrity and Genuine Love

Proverbs 19:22 delivers a powerful piece of wisdom: “What a person desires is unfailing love; better to be poor than a liar.” This verse underscores two crucial aspects of life—unfailing love and integrity. It suggests that genuine, unconditional love is one of the most important things a person can desire, while dishonesty, even when it brings temporary gain, ultimately leads to greater harm. It reminds us that love and truthfulness form the foundation of a meaningful life, far outweighing the value of material wealth or temporary success.

The Meaning of the Proverb

The first part of the proverb, “What a person desires is unfailing love,” points to a deep truth about human nature: our most basic and profound need is love that never falters, that is constant and reliable. While we may pursue wealth, success, or recognition in life, it is love—authentic, unwavering, and enduring—that truly satisfies our hearts. This love may come from family, friends, or romantic partners, but it is essential for our well-being and happiness. In a world full of change and challenges, the desire for a love that is constant and unfailing is a deeply human one.

The second part of the proverb, “Better to be poor than a liar,” highlights the value of integrity. It teaches us that truthfulness is far more important than material wealth or external appearances. A liar may gain temporary advantages, but the damage to their reputation, relationships, and inner peace is immeasurable. Dishonesty erodes trust, and without trust, no relationship, whether personal or professional, can truly flourish. The proverb warns that being poor but honest is far better than being wealthy at the cost of integrity.

A Real-Life Example to Illustrate the Lesson

To better understand the wisdom of this proverb, consider the story of Rachel, a young woman who learned the value of honesty and genuine love the hard way.

Rachel was a bright and ambitious college student. She came from a modest background and had always dreamed of a successful career and a comfortable life. In her early twenties, she found herself working in a corporate job at a prestigious company. The work was demanding, but it paid well, and she enjoyed the social prestige that came with the position.

However, over time, Rachel realized that the job required more than just hard work—it demanded compromise. Her boss, although charming and successful, often encouraged Rachel to be less than truthful in her dealings with clients. He suggested inflating numbers, making exaggerated promises, and bending the truth to secure deals and retain customers. At first, Rachel felt uneasy about these tactics, but she justified it as necessary for success in the corporate world. After all, she was just following orders.

As Rachel continued to bend the truth, she began to see the cracks forming in her relationships—both at work and in her personal life. She lost the respect of her colleagues, who began to question her integrity. Her clients, once loyal, started to feel misled and soon distanced themselves. But the biggest blow came when Rachel realized that her actions had cost her the trust of her best friend, Emma. Rachel had lied to Emma about an important matter, hoping to avoid confrontation, but Emma found out. Emma felt deeply hurt, and their friendship was never the same.

Rachel’s success at work was hollow. The money she earned seemed meaningless when her integrity was compromised, and the trust of those around her was shattered. The lies she had told, though they had seemed harmless at first, had caused lasting damage. Eventually, Rachel left the corporate world, disillusioned by the emptiness of her achievements. She realized that the true value of life lay in honesty, loyalty, and the love she shared with others—not in wealth gained through deceit.

This experience taught Rachel the profound truth of Proverbs 19:22. What she had once desired—success and wealth—had proven to be fleeting and unsatisfying. What she truly longed for was genuine love, trust, and respect—things that could only be built on a foundation of truthfulness. In the end, Rachel found peace in a simpler life, one where honesty and love were her guiding principles.

The Importance of Unfailing Love and Integrity

Rachel’s story illustrates the core message of Proverbs 19:22. While we may be tempted to chase after wealth, status, or material success, it is the relationships we nurture with love and honesty that truly matter. Unfailing love offers the security and peace that no amount of money can provide. Genuine love is what carries us through the tough times, what makes us feel valued and understood, and what gives our lives meaning.

On the other hand, dishonesty, whether in small matters or big, destroys trust. A liar may experience momentary success or pleasure, but it is always short-lived. In the long run, lies unravel relationships, damage reputations, and lead to regret. Proverbs 19:22 teaches us that integrity and love must be prioritized above all else.

The Call to Embrace Integrity

The lesson here is clear: choose honesty and integrity over material gain. Strive to build relationships rooted in love, where truth and respect are the cornerstones. While the world may reward deception in the short term, it is the people who live with integrity and love who enjoy true fulfillment. They are the ones who build lasting, meaningful connections that stand the test of time.

As we navigate our own lives, we can ask ourselves: What do we truly desire? Is it wealth, success, or recognition? Or is it love—unfailing love that endures through the highs and lows? And are we willing to sacrifice our integrity to get ahead, or will we stand firm in honesty, knowing that true success lies in being true to ourselves and others?

Proverbs 19:22 teaches us that the greatest desire of the human heart is unfailing love, and that truthfulness is more valuable than wealth. While lying may bring temporary rewards, the cost of lost trust and broken relationships is far too high. Love and integrity form the foundation of a life well-lived, one that is marked by genuine connections and lasting peace. In the end, it is better to be poor with honesty than to be rich with lies.