What does Proverbs 13:22 mean? "A good man leaves an inheritance for his childrens children, but a sinners wealth is stored up for the righteous."

This verse is so encouraging! It shows that a person who seeks and follows God’s ways does have a valuable inheritance to pass on to generations to come.  In contrast, the wealth of one who does not live according to principles of righteousness will not have something of value to pass on.  “Ill gotten gains do not profit…”  Proverbs 10:2; Job 27:13, 16-17.

The complete fulfillment of this verse is not now, but in a future time.  “Now we call the arrogant blessed; not only are the doers of wickedness built up, but they also test God and escape.”  Malachi 3:15  God’s principle that ‘we reap what we sow’ is still in place. Now, however, the full consequences of behaviors are delayed. Galatians 6:7-10  

In Christ’s Kingdom, unjust gain will be no more and all who seek righteousness will be blessed.   We have so many promises of a time when justice and accountability will be in place during the reign of Jesus and his Bride. Isaiah 11:9, “the word of the Lord will cover the earth like that waters cover the sea.”  “With righteousness He will judge the poor, and decide with fairness for the afflicted of the earth.”  Isaiah 11:4  It will be said in that day, “how the oppressor has ceased, and how fury has ended!  The LORD has broken the staff of the wicked, the scepter of rulers which used to strike the peoples in fury with unceasing strokes…The whole earth is at rest and is quiet; they break forth into shouts of joy.”  Isaiah 14:4-7

The harvest of consequences can also affect future generations for good or for evil in our lifetime as well as into eternity.

Think of someone righteous and Godly, who is no longer with us in this life.  Think of the rich legacy of example and love for God they have left their family and friends for generations to come.

Sometimes there are people in our lives who are like road signs. (See Jeremiah 31:21 NIV)  Their characters over years of testing have been set firmly in the concrete foundation of faith. The message that they have lived is a message of true hope, true direction and true instruction. Their example speaks to us now, and if they were part of the Bride of Christ, their triumph in Christ will speak throughout all generations.”

“So we Thy people and the sheep of Thy pasture will give thanks to Thee forever; to all generations we will tell of Thy praise.”  Psalm 79:13

O LORD, work in our lives so that we can leave a beautiful legacy for generations to come.