Proverbs 13: 20-25

²⁰He who walks with wise men will be wise,
But the companion of fools will suffer harm.
²¹Adversity pursues sinners,
But the righteous will be rewarded with prosperity.
²²A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children,
And the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.
²³Abundant food is in the fallow ground of the poor,
But it is swept away by injustice.
²⁴He who withholds his rod hates his son,
But he who loves him disciplines him diligently.
²⁵The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite,
But the stomach of the wicked is in need.

Today's Thought Question:

1. What proverb in today's passage spoke to you and why?

Verse 22 (as read through the Amplified Bible): "A good man leaves an inheritance [of moral stability and goodness] to his children's children, and the wealth of the sinner [finds its way eventually] into the hands of the righteous, for whom it was laid up."

Much of my personal life this week intersects with this verse, as my husband and I are talking through our will, and as I am spending time with family. (OK, and then there was the Michael Jackson memorial service that had me thinking about one's life and the celebration of such, and the "what now?" for his children.)

I'm still learning about what God expects us to do about the issue of an inheritance. The world has often talked about making investments for grand retirements, leaving folks in a position to pass the wealth along later. But, what now, when investments are not a sure thing? Some in the Christian sector would say to put money into God's kingdom--missionary work, etc.--saying that the children are responsible for earning their own living and should not rely upon the wealth of their parents.

I know that "You can't take it with you," but how much do you leave to whom or to what? Rather than do an exhaustive search for verses on this today, just know that I'm thinking through this....



What Solomon is addressing, however, has to do with passing along a Christian heritage--emphasizing wisdom, and "moral stability and goodness" as implied in the passage. Not that we can pass along our salvation, but we can do our very best to teach our children and grandchildren the commandments and precepts of our Lord, and how those things are applicable forever in living a Godly life on earth. Such a life brings "prosperity." (vs 21) "The light of the righteous rejoices." (vs 9).

This also echoes back to verse 8: "The ransom of a man's life is his wealth." To pass along a legacy through our children that dwells on the message of salvation is truly one in which to rejoice. It won't be about who sang at your memorial service or how much material blessing you received. It will be about whether you understand that Jesus Christ gave up His life as a ransom not just for one but for many (Matthew 20:28). And that while Jesus is a Son "most pleased" in His Father's eye, God would not have sent His Son as a ransom if the many weren't of great wealth to Him.



Photo: http://content5.videojug.com/bb/bb346d35-44bd-f618-2158-ff0008cae0af/how-to-teach-your-kids-about-values-2.jpg

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Tomorrow's Scripture Focus and Thought Question:

Proverbs 14: 1-14

1. What proverb in today's passage spoke to you and why?
   

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Note: I read from the New American Standard Bible translation, specifically, The MacArthur Study Bible (NASB). I will quote other sources if used in a post.
I also use Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (with notes from the King James Version).