Proverbs 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.
Original Language Analysis
ט֗וֹב
A good
H2896
ט֗וֹב
A good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
1 of 8
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
יַנְחִ֥יל
man leaveth an inheritance
H5157
יַנְחִ֥יל
man leaveth an inheritance
Strong's:
H5157
Word #:
2 of 8
to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate
בָנִ֑ים
children
H1121
בָנִ֑ים
children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 8
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בָנִ֑ים
children
H1121
בָנִ֑ים
children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 8
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וְצָפ֥וּן
is laid up
H6845
וְצָפ֥וּן
is laid up
Strong's:
H6845
Word #:
5 of 8
to hide (by covering over); by implication, to hoard or reserve; figuratively to deny; specifically (favorably) to protect, (unfavorably) to lurk
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 2:26For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.Proverbs 28:8He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.Psalms 112:2His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.Psalms 37:25I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.Ezra 9:12Now therefore give not your daughters unto their sons, neither take their daughters unto your sons, nor seek their peace or their wealth for ever: that ye may be strong, and eat the good of the land, and leave it for an inheritance to your children for ever.Psalms 128:6Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel.Psalms 102:28The children of thy servants shall continue, and their seed shall be established before thee.
Historical Context
Reflects biblical pattern where wicked persons' wealth transfers to the righteous (think Exodus, where Egypt's wealth came to Israel). Covenant theology promised generational blessing for faithfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- What inheritance are you building for your grandchildren - financial and spiritual?
- How does this long-term perspective affect your current financial and moral decisions?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the sinner's wealth is laid up for the just. Righteous persons build generational wealth blessing grandchildren. Sinners accumulate wealth that ultimately transfers to the righteous. This verse encourages long-term perspective - building legacy extending beyond one's lifetime. It also promises redistribution - wickedly gained wealth eventually reaches righteous hands through divine providence.