Proverbs 13:22

Translation
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.
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KJV (with Strong's)
A good H2896 man leaveth an inheritance H5157 to his children's H1121 children H1121: and the wealth H2428 of the sinner H2398 is laid up H6845 for the just H6662.
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Complete Jewish Bible
A good man leaves an inheritance to his grandchildren, but the wealth of a sinner is stored up for the righteous.
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Berean Standard Bible
A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is passed to the righteous.
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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.
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World English Bible Messianic
A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored for the righteous.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
The good man shall giue inheritance vnto his childrens children: and the riches of the sinner is layde vp for the iust.
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Young's Literal Translation
A good man causeth sons' sons to inherit, And laid up for the righteous is the sinner's wealth.
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See also
Ecclesiastes 2:26Job 27:16Job 27:17Proverbs 28:8Psalms 37:25Psalms 112:2Genesis 17:7
In the KJVVerse 16,770 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Proverbs 13:22 delivers a profound statement on the enduring legacy of righteousness and the ultimate disposition of ill-gotten gain. It asserts that an upright individual establishes a heritage that transcends their immediate descendants, extending blessings and provision to their grandchildren. Conversely, the verse declares that wealth accumulated by the wicked through unrighteous means is not for their lasting benefit but is providentially reserved and designated by God for the righteous, thereby underscoring divine justice and the ultimate futility of prosperity gained through sin.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Proverbs 13 is a rich tapestry of antithetical proverbs, consistently contrasting the paths and outcomes of the wise versus the foolish, and the righteous versus the wicked. This chapter delves into the practical consequences of moral choices in daily life, addressing themes such as diligent labor, the power of speech, the value of discipline, and the nature of true wealth. Proverbs 13:22 fits seamlessly within this framework, serving as a powerful antithetical statement that juxtaposes the lasting, multi-generational blessing of the righteous with the ephemeral, divinely reallocated wealth of the wicked. It reinforces the overarching message of the book that genuine wisdom leads to life and a holistic form of prosperity, while folly inevitably leads to ruin. The verse's strategic placement contributes to a cumulative argument about the ultimate triumph of righteousness and the unwavering certainty of divine justice.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Israel, the concept of "inheritance" (Hebrew: nachalah) was profoundly intertwined with land, family lineage, and the covenant promises God made to His people. The land was considered a divine gift, intended to be passed down through generations, ensuring family stability, identity, and a sense of belonging within the community. To "leave an inheritance" was therefore a fundamental act of responsible stewardship and a tangible sign of a thriving, blessed family line. The phrase "children's children" emphasizes a long-term, generational perspective that was paramount in a society where family continuity and legacy were foundational. Furthermore, the accumulation of wealth was always viewed through a moral and theological lens; wealth obtained through oppression, injustice, or deceit was vehemently condemned, while prosperity resulting from diligent and righteous living was seen as a direct blessing from God. This verse reflects a worldview where God is actively involved in human affairs, meticulously overseeing justice and ensuring that ultimate outcomes align with His righteous character, even when immediate circumstances might suggest otherwise.
  • Key Themes: Proverbs 13:22 significantly contributes to several overarching themes found within the book of Proverbs and broader biblical theology. It powerfully highlights the theme of Generational Legacy, emphasizing that the positive impact of a righteous life extends far beyond one's own lifespan, establishing a foundation of blessing, stability, and moral capital for future generations. This echoes similar promises and principles found in passages such as Psalm 37:26, which speaks of the righteous person's descendants being blessed. The verse also articulates the profound theme of Divine Justice and Sovereignty, asserting God's ultimate control over all resources and His unwavering commitment to rectifying imbalances. The declaration that "the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just" is a recurring motif in wisdom literature, illustrating God's providence in ensuring that ill-gotten gains will not ultimately benefit the wicked but will be redistributed according to His righteous purposes. This truth is also powerfully expressed in Ecclesiastes 2:26, where God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to the good, but makes the sinner gather and heap up for one who is good before God. Finally, it underscores the critical importance of Righteous Stewardship, encouraging individuals to live with foresight, integrity, and a deep understanding that true security and lasting prosperity are rooted in alignment with God's will rather than the accumulation of material possessions by any means.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Good (Hebrew, ṭôwb', H2896): This term denotes more than mere benevolence; it signifies moral uprightness, integrity, and a profound alignment with God's will. A "good man" is one whose character is marked by virtue, who is righteous in God's sight, and whose life embodies what is pleasing and beneficial. This inherent goodness forms the foundational basis for the ability to leave a lasting, positive inheritance.
  • Inheritance (Hebrew, nâchal', H5157): While often referring to physical property or land, particularly in the context of covenantal promises, nâchal broadly encompasses anything passed down through descent or succession. In this context, it includes not only material assets but also a spiritual heritage, a good name, established moral values, and the cumulative blessings that accrue from a life lived in accordance with divine wisdom. It speaks to the enduring, multi-faceted legacy a righteous person establishes for future generations.
  • Laid up (Hebrew, tsâphan', H6845): This verb implies something meticulously reserved, hidden, or stored away for a specific purpose and future time. When applied to the wealth of the sinner, it suggests a deliberate divine act of reservation and a future transfer that is part of God's sovereign plan. It emphasizes that this wealth is not truly secure or permanently held by the wicked but is, in essence, held in divine escrow, awaiting its ultimate transfer to the just.

Verse Breakdown

  • "A good [man] leaveth an inheritance to his children's children:" This clause profoundly highlights the long-term, multi-generational impact of a life lived in righteousness. A "good man"—one who walks in integrity and wisdom before God—acts with a foresight that extends beyond his immediate family, planning and building for future generations. The "inheritance" described here is comprehensive, encompassing not only financial assets or property but also a rich legacy of moral values, spiritual instruction, a sterling reputation, and the cumulative blessings that flow from a life lived in accordance with God's principles. This foresight and faithfulness secure blessings that extend to grandchildren and beyond, ensuring continuity, stability, and genuine prosperity for the family line.
  • "and the wealth of the sinner [is] laid up for the just." This second clause presents a stark contrast and reveals a core principle of God's providential justice. The "wealth of the sinner," often accumulated through unjust means, exploitation, or greed, is not destined to remain with them permanently. Instead, it is "laid up" or reserved by divine decree for the righteous. This signifies God's ultimate sovereignty over all resources and His unwavering commitment to ensuring that justice prevails. While the wicked may appear to prosper temporarily, their gains are ultimately insecure and will, in God's perfect timing and through His sovereign means, be transferred to those who are righteous, providing comfort, assurance, and vindication to the faithful amidst apparent injustices.

Literary Devices

Proverbs 13:22 primarily employs Antithetical Parallelism, a foundational characteristic of Hebrew wisdom literature. This device is powerfully evident in the direct contrast drawn between the "good man" and the "sinner," and their respective, opposing outcomes concerning wealth and legacy. The first half of the verse describes the positive, enduring, and expansive legacy of the righteous, while the second half describes the negative, ultimately futile, and divinely reallocated outcome for the wicked. This juxtaposition serves to underscore the profound moral and spiritual implications of one's choices and to highlight God's righteous order. Additionally, the phrase "children's children" functions as a form of Merism or Emphasis, stressing the expansive and long-lasting nature of the righteous man's influence and blessing across generations. The concept of wealth being "laid up" for the just also carries strong Theological Symbolism, representing God's active Providence and Sovereignty over human affairs and material possessions, reinforcing the unwavering biblical truth that ultimate justice will prevail.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Proverbs 13:22 profoundly articulates God's providential justice and the enduring nature of righteousness. It teaches that true prosperity is not merely the accumulation of material wealth, but the establishment of a lasting legacy rooted in moral integrity, faithfulness to God, and a commitment to future generations. The verse assures believers that even when the wicked appear to flourish and accumulate great riches, their gains are temporary and ultimately under divine control. God, in His perfect timing and through His sovereign means, will ensure that resources are ultimately directed to those who honor Him, providing comfort, vindication, and provision for the righteous. This principle encourages a long-term, eternal perspective on life and wealth, prioritizing spiritual and moral capital over fleeting material possessions gained through ungodly means.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Proverbs 13:22 calls us to a profound re-evaluation of our priorities, challenging our conventional understanding of true wealth and legacy. It compels us to consider not merely what we accumulate for ourselves, but what enduring foundation we are building and leaving for those who come after us—not just our immediate children, but their children too. This "inheritance" is far more than financial; it encompasses the moral framework, spiritual values, a good name, and the cumulative blessings that can profoundly shape future generations. Are we living in a way that cultivates such a rich, enduring legacy, or are we consumed by fleeting gains and short-sighted pursuits? Furthermore, the verse offers immense comfort and a powerful call to trust in God's ultimate justice. In a world where the wicked often appear to prosper and injustices abound, it serves as a potent reminder that God is sovereign over all wealth and resources. We are encouraged to live righteously, trusting that God will ultimately vindicate the just and reallocate resources according to His perfect will. This truth should motivate us to ethical financial practices, generous stewardship, and a steadfast faith in God's unwavering righteousness, rather than succumbing to the temptation of quick, ungodly gain or despairing over apparent imbalances.

Questions for Reflection

  • What kind of "inheritance"—beyond material possessions—am I actively building and praying for my children's children?
  • How does the promise that "the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just" shape my perspective on temporary injustices or the apparent prosperity of the ungodly?
  • In what practical ways can I demonstrate better stewardship of my resources, both material and spiritual, with a multi-generational perspective in mind?
  • How does this proverb challenge my personal definition of "success" or "prosperity" in light of God's eternal perspective?

FAQ

Does "inheritance" in this verse refer only to money or property?

Answer: While the Hebrew word for "inheritance" (nachalah) often refers to physical property or land, particularly in the context of the Promised Land and tribal allotments, in Proverbs 13:22, it carries a broader and richer meaning. It encompasses not only financial or material assets but also a spiritual and moral legacy. This includes a good name, a reputation for integrity, wise counsel, a foundation of faith, and the cumulative blessings that flow from a life lived in accordance with God's wisdom and principles. The "good man" leaves behind a holistic inheritance that benefits future generations in every aspect of their lives, providing stability, guidance, and enduring blessing.

How does "the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just" work in practice? Does God literally transfer money?

Answer: This phrase speaks to God's ultimate sovereignty and providential justice over all resources. It doesn't necessarily imply a direct, literal transfer of cash from one person's bank account to another's, though God can certainly orchestrate such events. More broadly, it means that wealth accumulated through unrighteous means by the wicked is inherently insecure and will not ultimately serve their lasting benefit or the benefit of their descendants. God, in His perfect timing and through various means—such as economic downturns, legal judgments, the natural consequences of sin, or even the righteous inheriting from the wicked through various circumstances—ensures that such wealth eventually finds its way to those who are just. This principle is a powerful declaration of divine control over all resources and an assurance that God will rectify injustices, ensuring that the righteous are ultimately provided for and vindicated, as also seen in Job 20:18-20, which describes the wicked's gains returning to them and not being enjoyed.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Proverbs 13:22, while rooted in Old Testament wisdom, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "good man" who leaves an enduring inheritance is supremely and perfectly exemplified in Christ, who, though rich in divine glory, for our sakes became poor, that we through His poverty might become truly rich (2 Corinthians 8:9, which highlights Christ's self-impoverishment for our spiritual gain). The inheritance He leaves is not merely material but eternal and spiritual: salvation, perfect righteousness, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and a secure place in God's eternal kingdom (Ephesians 1:11-14, detailing our spiritual inheritance in Christ). This glorious inheritance is passed down not just to "children's children" by physical descent, but to all who are adopted into God's family through faith in Christ, becoming co-heirs with Him (Romans 8:17, emphasizing our status as heirs with Christ). Furthermore, the second clause—"the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just"—finds its most dramatic fulfillment in Christ's decisive victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness. All the power, dominion, and spiritual "wealth" that Satan, the ultimate sinner, wielded over humanity and the world, was ultimately stripped from him and "laid up" for Christ and His redeemed people. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross and His glorious resurrection, Jesus disarmed the spiritual powers and authorities, triumphing over them publicly (Colossians 2:15, describing Christ's triumph over spiritual powers). The spiritual riches, authority, and blessings that were once held captive by the enemy are now, through Christ, made fully available to the "just"—those declared righteous by faith in Him. Thus, Christ is the ultimate "good man" who secures an eternal, unfading inheritance for His spiritual descendants, and through His triumph, He reclaims all that was unjustly held by the kingdom of darkness, laying it up for His saints.

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Commentary on Proverbs 13 verse 22

22 ¶ A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.

See here, 1. How a good man's estate lasts: He leaves an inheritance to his children's children. It is part of his praise that he is thoughtful for posterity, that he does not lay all out upon himself, but is in care to do well for those that come after him, not by withholding more than is meet, but by a prudent and decent frugality. He trains up his children to this, that they may leave it to their children; and especially he is careful, both by justice and charity, to obtain the blessing of God upon what he has, and to entail that blessing upon his children, without which the greatest industry and frugality will be in vain: A good man, by being good and doing good, by honouring the Lord with his substance and spending it in his service, secures it to his posterity; or, if he should not leave them much of this world's goods, his prayers, his instructions, his good example, will be the best entail, and the promises of the covenant will be an inheritance to his children's children, Psa 103:17. 2. How it increases by the accession of the wealth of the sinner to it, for that is laid up for the just. If it be asked, How should good men grow so rich, who are not so eager upon the world as others are and who commonly suffer for their well-doing? It is here answered, God, in his providence, often brings into their hands that which wicked people had laid up for themselves. The innocent shall divide the silver, Job 27:16, Job 27:17. The Israelites shall spoil the Egyptians (Exo 12:36) and eat the riches of the Gentiles, Isa 61:6.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verse 22. Public domain.
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John ChrysostomAD 407
COMMENTARY ON THE PROVERBS OF SOLOMON, FRAGMENT 13:22
“A good man will inherit children’s children.” The verb “he will inherit” does not mean that he will take the inheritance from his sons; in fact, this would be the greatest curse. Rather, it means the opposite, that is, that he will transmit his riches to his posterity and will leave behind descendants. But the property of the ungodly is not transmitted to their sons but to those who can use them properly. Another interpretation may be: the mind, almost like a parent, generates good thoughts; and these become parents of similar actions.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Proverbs
A good man leaves an inheritance to his children, etc. We often see good men die without children, indeed promising greater rewards from the Lord to those who have preferred the chastity of virginity to the procreation of children, yet also the substance of the just being taken by sinners. For the Apostle glories in those who received the seizure of their goods with joy. Hence, it must be understood spiritually that the good and just Lord, who, after his passion ascending into heaven, left the apostles and their successors as heirs of his doctrine, to whose faith a multitude of peoples were converted, who were the substance of the devil. For he entered the house of the same wicked adversary and, breaking him with greater strength, plundered his arms in which he trusted and distributed his spoils, as he testifies in the Gospel. Or certainly, the substance of the sinner was kept for the just when the kingdom of God was taken from the Jews and given to a nation producing its fruits.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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