The rewards of humility
Humility is a central theme throughout the Bible, often associated with wisdom and favor from God. In the ancient Near Eastern context, humility was not just a personal virtue but a social expectation, especially in relation to one's status before God and others. Biblical figures like Moses and David exemplify humility, acknowledging their dependence on God. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is the ultimate model of humility, as seen in Philippians 2:5-8, where He humbles Himself by becoming obedient to death. Humility is often contrasted with pride, which leads to downfall, as seen in Proverbs 16:18.

and the fear of the LORD
The fear of the LORD is a foundational concept in wisdom literature, signifying reverence, awe, and submission to God's will. It is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom (Proverbs 1:7, 9:10). This fear is not about being afraid but about recognizing God's holiness and authority. In the historical context of Israel, the fear of the LORD was integral to the covenant relationship between God and His people, guiding their worship and obedience. It is a theme that runs throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's life with God's commands.

are wealth and honor and life.
In the biblical context, wealth, honor, and life are seen as blessings from God, often associated with righteousness and obedience. Wealth is not merely material but includes spiritual richness and contentment. Honor involves respect and a good reputation, both before God and people. Life refers to both the quality and longevity of life, often linked to peace and fulfillment. These rewards are not guaranteed in a material sense but are understood as the natural outcomes of living in accordance with God's wisdom. The New Testament echoes this in passages like Matthew 6:33, where seeking God's kingdom first leads to receiving what is needed.

1. Solomon
Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His writings often focus on practical living and the pursuit of wisdom.

2. Israel
The nation to whom the Proverbs were originally addressed, providing guidance for living in accordance with God's laws.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing His relationship with Israel and His role as the ultimate source of wisdom and blessing.The Value of Humility
Humility is not just a virtue but a pathway to receiving God's blessings. It involves recognizing our dependence on God and submitting to His will.

The Fear of the LORD
This is a reverential awe and respect for God, acknowledging His power, authority, and holiness. It is foundational for a life that is aligned with God's purposes.

Rewards of Righteous Living
The verse promises tangible rewards—wealth, honor, and life—to those who live humbly and fear the LORD. These rewards may manifest in various forms, including spiritual richness and eternal life.

Practical Humility
Practicing humility involves serving others, putting their needs above our own, and being teachable. It requires a daily commitment to live in a way that honors God.

Living in Reverence
Cultivating a fear of the LORD involves regular prayer, studying Scripture, and aligning our actions with God's commands. It is a lifestyle of worship and obedience.(4) By humility and the fear of the Lord.--Rather, by (or, the reward of) humility is the fear of the Lord. He guides the humble and teaches them His fear. (Comp. Psalm 25:9.)

Honour, and life.--Comp. Proverbs 21:21.

Verse 4. - By humility and the fear of the Lord, etc. This does not seem to be the best rendering of the original. The word rendered "by" (עֵקֶב ekeb), "in reward of," is also taken as the subject of the sentence: "The reward of humility ['and,' or, 'which is'] the fear of God, is riches," etc. There is no copulative in the clause, and a similar asyndeton occurs in ver. 5; so there is no reason why we should not regard the clause in this way. Thus Revised Version, Nowack, and others. But Delitzsch makes the first hemistich a concluded sentence, which the second member carries on thus: "The reward of humility is the fear of the Lord; it [the reward of humility] is at the same time riches," etc. Vulgate, Finis modestiae timor Domini, divitiae et gloria et vita; Septuagint, "The generation (γενεὰ) of wisdom is the fear of the Lord, and wealth," etc. It is preferable to translate as above, taking the two expressed virtues as appositional, thus: "The reward of humility, the fear of the Lord." Humility brings with it true religion, which is expressed by "the fear of the Lord." The feeling of dependence, the lowly opinion of self, the surrender of the will, the conviction of sin, all effects which are connected with humility, may well be represented by this term, "the fear of God," which, in another aspect, is itself the source of every virtue and every blessing; it is riches, and honour, and life. These are God's gifts, the guerdon of faithful service (see notes on Proverbs 3:16 and Proverbs 21:21; and comp. Proverbs 8:18). The Easterns have a pretty maxim, "The bending of the humble is the graceful droop of the branches laden with fruit." And again, "Fruitful trees bend down; the wise stoop; a dry stick and a fool can be broken, not bent" (Lane).

Parallel Commentaries ...


The rewards
עֵ֣קֶב (‘ê·qeḇ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6118: A heel, the last of anything, result, compensation, on account of

of humility
עֲ֭נָוָה (‘ă·nā·wāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6038: Condescension

[and] the fear
יִרְאַ֣ת (yir·’aṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3374: Fear, reverence

of the LORD
יְהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

[are] wealth
עֹ֖שֶׁר (‘ō·šer)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6239: Wealth

and honor
וְכָב֣וֹד (wə·ḵā·ḇō·wḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3519: Weight, splendor, copiousness

and life.
וְחַיִּֽים׃ (wə·ḥay·yîm)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 22:4 The result of humility and the fear (Prov. Pro Pr)