Proverbs 13:22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.
This proverb makes an interesting statement, and gives a practical instruction.
The impact of our personal relationship with the Lord Jesus should be so transparently honest and real that our spiritual relationship would influence and reach our grand-children. The raising of our children under God and His principles would have an impact on our children to the point that they carry God’s holy influence to their next generation.
One of the key reasons that God chose Abraham to establish a covenant with, was that Abraham had agreed to teach his children about God. On that premise, God was pleased and made an eternal covenant with Abraham and his descendants. Gen. 18:19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgement; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.
Raising children to choose a personal relationship with the Lord is God’s desire for our lives. This does not mean that it will be clear sailing or without troubles. Just because you have a personal relationship with Christ does not mean your children have automatic salvation. As we know, God does not have grandchildren; He only has children.
The comfort that we can take in raising our children in the Lord is that all possible directions from God will be at our children’s disposal so they can make their own personal choice to serve the living God out of their own free will. Prov. 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
You will notice that the verse says, “when he is old he will not depart from it.” It does not say that there won’t be trials and problems between the young and old stages of their lives. What do we do then? We keep our relationship with the Lord strong and genuine so that our children have a righteous reference to draw their conclusions from.
The comfort that we can take in raising our children in the Lord is that all possible directions from God will be at our children’s disposal so they can make their own personal choice to serve the living God out of their own free will. Prov. 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
You will notice that the verse says, “when he is old he will not depart from it.” It does not say that there won’t be trials and problems between the young and old stages of their lives. What do we do then? We keep our relationship with the Lord strong and genuine so that our children have a righteous reference to draw their conclusions from.
There is also some practical advice in this verse. Prov. 13:22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children. We have all heard of some inappropriate behavior that occurs when a family member has passed away and there is vocal disagreement at the reading of the will. Yes! Where there is a will, there are relatives!
Prov. 13:11 Wealth gained hastily, will dwindle. Prov. 23:5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. Most people, “not all” who come into an inheritance, blow it on stuff. Literally, the wealth appears to have manifested a set of wings and flies away not to be seen again. The inheritors are left that shoulda, woulda, coulda feeling about the money that is spent and gone.
Prov. 13:11 Wealth gained hastily, will dwindle. Prov. 23:5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. Most people, “not all” who come into an inheritance, blow it on stuff. Literally, the wealth appears to have manifested a set of wings and flies away not to be seen again. The inheritors are left that shoulda, woulda, coulda feeling about the money that is spent and gone.
A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children. If I have raised my sons with a good work ethic and a righteous character for taking personal responsibility in their lives, they should be able to take care of themselves. They should not be in a position of needing what I have fiscally accumulated by the time of my death.
I think the best way to help my children would be to leave most of what I have to my son’s children if they have any. This would relieve much pressure in their lives because they would know that their children were provided for. Then repeat the process in the next generation.
I think the best way to help my children would be to leave most of what I have to my son’s children if they have any. This would relieve much pressure in their lives because they would know that their children were provided for. Then repeat the process in the next generation.
I am only thinking out loud here with these personal observations. If you wish to leave everything you have to a house full of cats, that is your freedom and business. May God give you all the wisdom that you need in this life.
Yes,the grandchildren being taken care of would bring a relief on the parents.
If you live long enough, your children should be well established by the time you die therefore your grandchildren would need financial assistance more then your children.
I agree that it would be difficult explaining to our over indebted and needy relatives that little would be coming their way, because their children would be getting the bulk of the inheritance.
I was fortunate to have experienced what I am saying when I was a young parent. My father-in-law had left a modest amount for my sons, in his will, and I remember the feeling of weight that came off my shoulders because I knew they would be taken care of. I also remember thinking how practical the bible verse was about leaving an inheritance. Is it lofty thinking? Most likely it is but, I like the idea. God bless you.
The spiritual part makes sense but I don't think your thoughts on the leaving of a legal will can work in these hard economical times. There are a lot of family members in need.