Proverbs 13:22 Meaning and Explanation
“A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A good man builds lasting wealth for future generations; the sinner's riches transfer to the righteous.
The Context of Proverbs 13:22
Contrasts the enduring legacy of the good with the transience of the sinner's riches.
What Does Proverbs 13:22 Mean?
A good man thinks beyond his own lifetime. He labors, saves, and builds in ways that benefit his descendants far into the future. His inheritance spans generations—his children's children enjoy the fruit of his fidelity, prudence, and wisdom. This long-term vision marks integrity.
The wealth of sinners, by contrast, does not endure in their line. It is eventually 'laid up for the just'—it transfers, through law or providence, to the righteous. The verse suggests that ill-gotten or selfishly accumulated wealth does not stay with the wicked; it is eventually redistributed to those who will use it justly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 13:22
What does Proverbs 13:22 mean?
A good man builds lasting wealth for future generations; the sinner's riches transfer to the righteous.
What is the context of Proverbs 13:22?
Contrasts the enduring legacy of the good with the transience of the sinner's riches.