Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 13:22, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
American Standard Version
A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children; And the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the righteous.
World English Bible version
A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored for the righteous.
Proverbs 13:22 Meaning & Commentary
A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous. Proverbs 13:22 (ESV)
Money and finances are always contentious subjects in The Body of Christ. There is a widespread belief among many Christians that poverty is spiritual and that being poor makes one more holy – yet this is not scriptural at all.
We know that God desires for us to prosper: 3 John 2:2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers (NKJV). God desires for us to prosper so that we can bless other people and provide for our family and loved ones.
In Proverbs 13:22 – The Bible takes this even further. This portion of scripture says that a good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children. This is not only saying that a good man’s kids will be blessed and receive an inheritance, but that the inheritance will be so big or significant that even a good man’s grandkids will benefit!
When someone truly walks with God, puts Him first in his life, and obeys His Word and His leading, he is bound to prosper. It is a by-product – never the goal! Likewise, the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous, and a righteous person has the potential to receive or inherit that wealth.
Haggai 2:8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the Lord of hosts. Everything on earth belongs to The Lord, and as His children, we ought to prosper and control the resources on the earth. It will not just fall into our lap, however.
As we put God first and serve Him – choosing to build His Kingdom on earth, we will receive the wealth of the sinner, which The Bible tells us is laid up for righteous people – which we are in Christ Jesus!
Application
How can we practically apply Proverbs 13:22 to our lives?
There is much information in our world and our culture which tells us what we should or should not do. This can be relative to our money or other areas of our lives. The challenge for us is always to use The Word of God as our standard. The Bible will often tell us to do contrary to what makes sense. Giving away 10% of our income to God, into His Kingdom, does not make sense to a natural man. This is, however, what The Bible commands us to do.
There are several spiritual principles in The Bible relative to money management. It is impossible to cover all these here; however, when we settle it in our hearts that God does indeed want us to prosper, we can begin to build from there. The truth is that many believers do not honestly believe that God wants them to have wealth, yet we see in Proverbs 13:22 the exact opposite! We see a level of prosperity that even the grandchildren will enjoy the fruit.
The danger is in making prosperity the end goal, which it should never be. As we put God first and prioritize His will, his hand of provision opens over our lives: Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
We cannot receive from God when we cling too tightly to worldly possessions. Yet, when we open our hands and hearts to generosity, God begins to release resources into our lives: Proverbs 11:25 Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.
If we recognize that we have been selfish, self-centered, or greedy when it comes to money and finances, we need to repent, put God first and turn to His Word for guidance on correct money management and wise stewardship!
When we do this, it is just a matter of time before we begin to prosper and will be able to enter the promises of Proverbs 13:22 – namely that we will both be able to leave an inheritance for generations to come and receive the sinner’s wealth as our inheritance.
Prayer
Mighty God, thank You that Your Word corrects my thinking when I stray off path. Thank You that You desire for me to prosper to the degree that even my grandchildren will be benefactors.
I am sorry for where I have been selfish and greedy in my handling of money. I ask that you forgive me now, and I choose to surrender my finances to you today. Teach my wise stewardship from Your Word. I pray this all in Jesus’ name. Amen!
