Proverbs 13:22
A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse highlights that a truly "good" person isn't just focused on their immediate children, but on the long-term well-being of their grandchildren, ensuring legacy. It also points to a divine balance: ill-gotten gains of the wicked are ultimately destined to benefit those who live righteously, not their own ungodly descendants.
This verse continues the wisdom of Proverbs, contrasting the enduring legacy of the righteous with the fleeting fortunes of the wicked. It follows discussions about the importance of wisdom, instruction, and the dangers of foolishness and sin, framing this verse as a statement about the ultimate outcome of different paths. The proverb implies that righteousness leads to lasting prosperity that benefits future generations, while wealth gained by sin is destined to be transferred to those who live righteously.
Ever wonder what truly lasts? This verse points to a legacy that echoes through generations, built on more than just money.
The proverb highlights that a 'good man' doesn't just provide for his immediate family, but plans for his grandchildren too. This isn't solely about financial inheritance, though that's part of it. It speaks to a deeper, intentional act of building something that endures.
The Foundation of a Lasting Legacy
Where does ill-gotten or carelessly managed wealth ultimately go? This proverb offers a surprising perspective on the fate of riches.
The second half of the verse presents a stark contrast: the wealth of the sinner is 'laid up for the righteous.' This doesn't mean the wicked intend to bless the godly, but rather that God's sovereign providence ensures this outcome.
Divine Redistribution
Understand the original words
nachalah · Hebrew Noun
A legacy of material, spiritual, or moral blessings passed from one generation to the next, reflecting God's covenantal faithfulness.
This passage directly parallels the idea that ill-gotten wealth doesn't last, stating that even if a sinner hoards treasures, it's the righteous who will ultimately wear the fine clothes and inherit the wealth.
Proverbs 28:8This verse echoes the same theme, explaining that someone who makes money through usury and injustice will see their wealth given to someone who is kind to the poor, highlighting the transfer of unrighteous gain.
Ecclesiastes 2:26This verse offers a similar perspective on wealth, suggesting that God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please Him, while the sinner is appointed to gather and heap up wealth for someone who is good, reinforcing the idea of transferred riches.
Genesis 31:9The story of Jacob's dealings with Laban illustrates this principle, where Jacob's success and inheritance came from Laban's own flocks and herds, showing how wealth can be transferred from the grasping to the upright.
Exodus 12:35-36This event shows God ensuring the Israelites received an inheritance from the Egyptians, directly demonstrating how the 'wealth of the sinner' (the Egyptians who oppressed them) was given to the 'righteous' (the Israelites), fulfilling the proverb's principle on a grand scale.
gillProverbs 13:22: "A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just."
A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children,.... He not only has a sufficiency for the present support of himself and family; but is so prospered and succeeded, as to leave an inheritance after him; and which is continued to and enjoyed, not only by his immediate offspring, but theirs also; for being got honestly, it wears well; see Proverbs 13:1…
pulpitProverbs 13:22: "A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just."
Verse 22. - A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children. This would be especially notable where a system of temporal rewards and punishments was expected and generally experienced. The wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. Property unjustly acquired, or wickedly used, is taken from those who have it, and ultimately finds its way into bett…
This verse highlights that a truly "good" person isn't just focused on their immediate children, but on the long-term well-being of their grandchildren, ensuring legacy. It also points to a divine balance: ill-gotten gains of the wicked are ultimately destined to benefit those who live righteously, not their own ungodly descendants.
This verse continues the wisdom of Proverbs, contrasting the enduring legacy of the righteous with the fleeting fortunes of the wicked. It follows discussions about the importance of wisdom, instruction, and the dangers of foolishness and sin, framing this verse as a statement about the ultimate outcome of different paths. The proverb implies that righteousness leads to lasting prosperity that benefits future generations, while wealth gained by sin is destined to be transferred to those who live righteously.
This verse continues the wisdom of Proverbs, contrasting the enduring legacy of the righteous with the fleeting fortunes of the wicked. It follows discussions about the importance of wisdom, instruction, and the dangers of foolishness and sin, framing this verse as a statement about the ultimate outcome of different paths. The proverb implies that righteousness leads to lasting prosperity that benefits future generations, while wealth gained by sin is destined to be transferred to those who live righteously.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Proverbs 13:22 is available in the Sola app.
"A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous." — This verse highlights that a truly "good" person isn't just focused on their immediate children, but on the long-term well-being of their grandchildren, ensuring legacy. It also points to a divine ba…
