Bringing Clarity to Proverbs 13:22

Scripture says, “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). Someone said, God wants me to have an abundance of money to satisfy this verse. Is she accurate? No, she’s not! At its surface, this verse might suggest a “good man” simply accumulates wealth to pass down. However, the wisdom of Scripture runs far deeper, especially when we understand the context. The inheritance is spelled out in the context of Proverbs 13:22. Proverbs 13:12–25 (context) emphasizes the value of wisdom as true inheritance & wealth. Solomon writes that whoever reveres God's Word will be rewarded, and he describes how wisdom obtained from the Word applies to several areas of life. The inheritance of the good man is the legacy of wisdom. The inheritance of a good man, rooted in Proverbs 13:22, transcends material wealth to include a lasting legacy of wisdom, character, and godly values passed to future generations. This stewardship focuses on mentoring, spiritual growth, and integrity. This is what Solomon says is an inheritance! This is what the sinner can’t leave to his children’s children! Be encouraged!

~Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Th.D., spiritually gifted Bible teacher & expositor