Proverbs 13:22
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A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
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Good men are farsighted, especially for their families. They are great family planners. They rejoice in grandchildren, and they prepare every possible advantage. God rewards their goodness by keeping their estates for their posterity. The generations of the just are blessed (Ps 103:17). But He takes riches from the wicked and gives them to the righteous.
The Bible promises longevity to the righteous, and shortened days to the wicked (3:1-2; 4:10; 9:11; 10:27; Ps 34:11-13; 91:16; Eph 6:2-3). And it also promises the safe transfer of wealth from one generation to another for them (28:8; Eccl 2:26; Job 27:16-17). These are wonderful promises that no life insurance salesman can even approach with his offers.
Israel, the people of God, visited Egypt, the dog-worshipping pagans of the Nile. When they left, they took the nation's wealth of many generations (Ex 3:21-22; 12:36)! Saul was envious of righteous David and persecuted him, but God gave Saul's throne and wives to David (II Sam 12:7-8)! And it is David's throne that endures forever (Is 9:6-7)!
But the righteous man has a role! He first is morally and spiritually good. Then he gets an inheritance for his grandchildren. He considers them his crown (17:6). A good man is a hard worker at real jobs, a consistent saver, a frugal spender, a prudent investor, and a generous giver. He easily denies himself to have money left over for the next generations.
It is God's ordinance for parents to build an estate for their children (19:14; II Cor 12:14). While children must be ready to support parents in case of an emergency in old age, this is not God's due order for the two generations (I Tim 5:8). The parents should have lived diligently and wisely enough to have an inheritance for the next two generations.
Our profane world mocks God and His ordinances. Their selfish habits and lusts for pleasures consume most or all of their income. In fact, it is popular for grandparents to say, "We're spending our children's inheritance." The blessed God will send those retirees to hell and give any assets left behind to the righteous, who love their families!
The greatest inheritance is fear of the Lord, Scripture, and wisdom (Ps 34:11; 119:111; Eccl 7:11). Good men see three generations needing these things (Ps 78:1-8; Joel 1:1-3).
Ah, reader! What are you doing for your family? Is your life of such integrity that blessings are accruing to your descendants? Glory! Or are you a fool, neglecting to give your children the advantages you were charged with (Deut 6:4-9; II Cor 12:14; Eph 6:4).
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