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)
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Proverbs 13:22
What does Proverbs 13:22 mean?
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Proverbs 13:22
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What's striking here is how it's not just about passing down money; a truly good person leaves a legacy for their grandchildren, implying a wisdom and foresight that extends beyond their own lifetime. This contrasts sharply with the sinner, whose ill-gotten gains are ultimately a temporary trust, destined to be transferred into the hands of the righteous.
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 proverb is part of a larger collection of wise sayings contrasting the ways of the righteous and the wicked. It follows discussions on diligence versus laziness and the benefits of wise counsel. The verse itself highlights a divine ordering where the righteous establish lasting legacies for generations, while ill-gotten gains of the wicked ultimately pass to those who fear God.
What kind of inheritance truly lasts beyond our lifetime? This proverb points to more than just money.
Proverbs contrasts two paths: the way of the righteous and the way of the sinner. A 'good man' (or 'just man' as it's also translated) isn't just someone who avoids evil, but one who lives a life of integrity and generosity. This kind of life creates a legacy that extends beyond immediate needs. It's about building something that sustains not only your children but their children too. This inheritance is built on honest gains and godly wisdom, which 'wears well' across generations. It's a testament to a life lived in alignment with God's ways, leaving a spiritual and practical heritage.
Ever seen ill-gotten gains disappear? This proverb explains why, revealing God's active role in justice.
The second part of the verse is a profound statement about divine equity. The wealth accumulated by a 'sinner' – one who lives contrary to God's ways, often through unrighteous means – is ultimately 'laid up for the righteous.' This doesn't mean sinners hoard wealth indefinitely. Instead, God's providence often ensures that wealth gained wickedly eventually finds its way into the hands of those who honor Him. History is filled with examples, from the Israelites taking Egyptian riches to fortunes built on greed that crumble or are transferred to those who use them for good. It's a reminder that earthly treasures are temporary and subject to God's ultimate justice.
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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 describes how wicked wealth is ultimately transferred, echoing Proverbs' idea that ill-gotten gains don't last with the sinner.
Ecclesiastes 2:26This verse speaks to God giving wealth to those who please Him, aligning with the concept that wealth ultimately benefits the righteous.
Psalm 37:22This psalm highlights that the righteous will inherit the land and leave an inheritance, directly mirroring the first part of Proverbs 13:22.
Exodus 12:35-36The Israelites spoiling the Egyptians provides a historical example of wealth being transferred from the wicked to the righteous as divine providence.
Matthew 6:19-20Jesus' teaching on storing up treasures in heaven offers a spiritual perspective on inheritance, contrasting earthly, temporary wealth with eternal, righteous gain.
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…
What's striking here is how it's not just about passing down money; a truly good person leaves a legacy for their grandchildren, implying a wisdom and foresight that extends beyond their own lifetime. This contrasts sharply with the sinner, whose ill-gotten gains are ultimately a temporary trust, destined to be transferred into the hands of the righteous.
This proverb is part of a larger collection of wise sayings contrasting the ways of the righteous and the wicked. It follows discussions on diligence versus laziness and the benefits of wise counsel. The verse itself highlights a divine ordering where the righteous establish lasting legacies for generations, while ill-gotten gains of the wicked ultimately pass to those who fear God.
This proverb is part of a larger collection of wise sayings contrasting the ways of the righteous and the wicked. It follows discussions on diligence versus laziness and the benefits of wise counsel. The verse itself highlights a divine ordering where the righteous establish lasting legacies for generations, while ill-gotten gains of the wicked ultimately pass to those who fear God.
"A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous." — What's striking here is how it's not just about passing down money; a truly good person leaves a legacy for their grandchildren, implying a wisdom and foresight that extends beyond their own lifeti…
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Last reviewed October 2026