Proverbs 20.20-21
“If one curses his father or his mother, his lamp will be put out in utter darkness. An inheritance gained hastily in the beginning will not be blessed in the end.”
These two proverbs are linked. In verse 20, there is a stern warning against children disrespecting their parents. Note that the level of disrespect is severe: the son actually curses his father and mother. He pronounces judgment on them.
“His lamp will be put out in utter darkness” is a reference to the foolish son’s untimely death, with the implication of separation from God in Sheol. This is the reverse side of what scripture calls the first commandment with promise: “Honor your mother and father that your days may be long in the land.” (Deut. 5:16; Eph 6:1-3; Jer 35:1-10).
Scripture puts a priority on children honoring their parents, and to violate that priority is a serious act of disobedience and rebellion not only against one’s father and mother, but also against God himself. To curse and pronounce judgment on one’s parents is an act of extreme arrogance and hubris.
In verse 21 there is a warning against “an inheritance gained hastily.” This verse suggests because of his greed, the rebellious son had a hand in the demise of his parents. To curse one’s parents represents a very hostile mindset which, if acted upon, would express itself in violence. Needless to say, this self-centered, disrespectful, and corrupted mindset will severely mismanage whatever wealth it receives as inheritance.
No wisdom + no work ethic = wealth without blessing.
This also applies to situations where parents pass on an inheritance to children without requiring the children to work for it. The wisdom required to manage an inheritance is gained through apprenticeship and hard work. The greatest gift that parents can bequeath to their children is wisdom + work ethic. The most valuable inheritance that parents can pass on to their children is to teach them to trust God and do the work.
Wanting is easy, working is hard.
