Does Proverbs 22:4 Really Promise Wealth, and If So, What Kind?
A wise man I follow has been posting a daily proverb on social media. No explanations, just the proverb. As a side note, it’s sad but interesting how many people question whether he had a hidden agenda behind each quote.
One daily proverb brought up an interesting conversation in the comments.
“The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honour and life.”
Proverbs 22:4 (ESV)
What Does “Riches” Really Mean?
Some people say “riches” in this verse doesn’t mean money. They think it’s only talking about spiritual rewards, like peace or joy. I understand why people feel that way. There’s been a lot of confusion caused by unbalanced prosperity teachings. I’m not a fan of those either, especially the kind that suggests wealth is a clear sign of God’s love. That’s not what I see Scripture teaching.
However, at the same time, I don’t see anything in Proverbs 22:4, or in the original Hebrew, that limits the word riches to something symbolic. The word used here (osher) typically refers to real, material wealth. The verse says that humility and the fear of the Lord can lead to riches, honour, and life. It doesn’t come with disclaimers.
Even so, we need to be careful.
God’s Not Against Wealth, But He is Against Greed and Envy
I don’t believe in chasing money at the expense of doing what Jesus asked us to do. That includes helping the poor, giving freely, and living with humility. The pursuit of amassing wealth becomes a problem when it becomes our end goal, or when we cling to it out of fear.
But money itself isn’t evil. The Bible never says that. It says the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). That craving for more can show up in anyone, rich or poor. I’ve seen it in people barely making it, and in those with full bank accounts. It’s really about the heart.
Wealth Can Be a Blessing, If It’s Shared
When I was on the mission field, many of the people who supported me were hardworking and generous. They weren’t born into wealth. They worked, saved, and gave. Was the work I was doing somehow wrong because their income funded it? I believe their generosity reflected God’s heart.
So, What’s the Real Takeaway?
So here’s the big question: Is having extra money bad? Or does it depend on what we do with it?
Jesus talked a lot about money, not because He was against it, but because He knew how easily it can become an idol. Money makes promises about safety, success, and status. But Christians should know those promises aren’t true. True security doesn’t come from what’s in our wallets. It comes from trusting Him.
Proverbs 22:4 doesn’t say everyone who follows God will get rich. However, it also doesn’t rule out financial wealth. It says that when we live with humility and reverence, good things, even practical blessings, can follow. It’s not guaranteed, but it’s often the result of living wisely and faithfully.
Final Questions to Consider
So maybe the better question isn’t, “Is it wrong to have wealth?”
Perhaps it’s, “Am I trusting God, or my bank account?”
And, “Am I using what I have to bless others?”
Until next time,
©2025 Katherine Walden
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