Proverbs 13.22
“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous.”
The message here is that wealth gained the wrong way does not last, and though the foolish person wants to pass on their wealth to their children and grandchildren, it often doesn’t happen. The “wealth” of sinners is tainted and compromised.
Wealth gained the right way by good people does get passed on to successive generations. Wise people are good stewards, and they think and plan ahead with their family in mind. The wealth of a good people is blessed.
Proverbs 13.23
“The fallow ground of the poor would yield much food, but it is swept away through injustice.”
This is an interesting verse. There is a debate among biblical scholars about which meaning is intended by Solomon.
Option 1: The problem is with the poor judgment of those in poverty. Although poor people have few resources (their ground is “fallow”), they are still very capable of working and being productive. However, if people in poverty exercise poor judgment, they will squander their limited resources. As a result, those limited resources will be swept away.
Option 2: The problem is with injustice of society toward people in poverty. Although poor people have few resources, they are still very capable of working and being productive. However, when people in poverty are treated unjustly, what they do produce will be swept away through no fault of their own.
My sense is that both of these interpretations are correct. People in poverty can be productive, but only if they exercise good judgment. And yet sometimes, despite working hard, people in poverty are treated unjustly and do not get the benefit of what they have produced.
Proverbs 13.25
“The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite, but the belly of the wicked suffers want.”
Again, there are two ways to understand this verse.
Option 1: People who live rightly are diligent and have a strong work ethic. As a result, they are productive. They produce enough to meet their needs. Foolish people (called here the “wicked”), are lazy and do not work hard. As a result, they are not productive, and they go hungry.
Option 2: People who live rightly are satisfied with what they produce. They are not greedy. They do not want more. They are content with what they produce. Foolish people are greedy. They are never content. Their bellies are always craving more, as a result they are perpetually dissatisfied.
And again, my sense is that both of these interpretations are correct.
Trust God, be productive, and be thankful to the Lord for what you produce.
