To view previous posts, read Part 1 and Part 2.
Like Timothy’s grandmother, a Christian grandparent can offer inspiration to their grandchildren by living with authentic faith (Part 1). Like Jacob, those grandparents can then share meaningful insights about what their grandchildren could become for God (Part 2).
In addition to these two meaningful contributions to a grandchild’s wellbeing, God also teaches us in Proverbs that another avenue through which grandparents can bless their grandchildren is through inheritance. This inheritance is an extension of the blessings God granted you as a grandparent as you walked with your Savior.
In Proverbs 13:21-22, we read that “Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed. A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.”
These two verses show us a contrast in the results from living poorly and living well. Evil men receive destructive results. Good men receive good results. In God’s economy, he often transfers the wealth of evildoers to the obedient who can then pass that wealth on to future generations. This principle played out many times in Scripture, especially in the Old Testament.
What does it mean to be a good man (Proverbs 13:22)? Good means to be “kind and benevolent” (Key Word Study Bible). Does that describe you?
We must also ask what the word inheritance means (Proverbs 13:22). Inheritance means “The basic meaning of [inheritance] is to receive with the ability to control, possess, and direct” (Strong’s Expanded) or “A verb meaning to receive, to take property as a permanent possession” (Key Word Study Bible). That sounds like something concrete that my future grandchildren have the capacity to one day possess. As a grandparent, this is describing an important potential part of your legacy.
So when it comes to leaving an inheritance, what does God want us to do? Simply this: it is good for grandparents to leave something tangible that expresses love for their grandchildren. When you think about it, this is a natural byproduct of living kindly and generously as God intends for all of us to live.
To leave this kind of inheritance, stewardship is a must. God would not be pleased if the reason we didn’t leave an inheritance to our grandchildren was the result of poor financial management. This stewardship starts now!
When talking about generational wealth, let’s consider this important question. What about grandparents who have lived wisely, but do not have much to leave their grandchildren? Are they failing their grandchildren? Are they disobedient to the principle taught in Proverbs 13:21-22? Let’s take a lesson from Charles Bridges:
It cannot however be meant as [a] universal statement. Many good men have no inheritance to leave; or they have no children; or none that survive them; or no children’s children [grandchildren]; or this generation may be in poverty…if there is no earthly substance to leave; yet a church in the house; a family altar; the record of holy example and instruction; and above all, a store of believing prayer laid up for accomplishment, when we shall be silent in the grave—will be an inheritance to our children of inestimable value. – Charles Bridges
The question to be asking as a grandparent is this: What can you pass along to your grandchildren that no one would have the right to take from them? How you answer that question is how you should be preparing their inheritance!
Here’s a powerful quote in the Liberty Bible Commentary that stresses this principle.
When at last the good man is called away from this world, he leaves the inheritance to his descendants. An honored name and the material gains God has given are his legacy, for he has not squandered his substance nor his reputation. The treasures of the wicked are soon dissipated and pass into the hands of those who, through the faithful practice of discipline, use this world’s goods aright…The righteous may not have a large portion, but to them alone is given the power of enjoyment. They alone know the joy of satisfaction of the soul [emphasis added]. The wicked, though they be surrounded by abundance, can never attain true satisfaction. They shall always be in want. – Liberty Bible Commentary
As a grandparent, begin praying and planning now to leave an intentional inheritance for your grandchildren. With God’s help, give them an inheritance they can truly enjoy because it’s part of the fruit from God’s blessing on your faithful life.
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