Proverbs 13:21-22, The Good Man’s Inheritance

July 20, Proverbs 13:21-22

Rom. 2:1-11; Gal. 6:7-10 “Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him” (Isa. 3:10).

The Good Man’s Inheritance

1. Evil Expectation: Verse 21a is a familiar theme. The deceit of this evil expectation is found in thinking sin can be concealed. The reality is that evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him (Ps. 140:11). Do not miss this awful truth, that momentary pleasures, purchased at the cost of Heaven, is too great a price to pay. These momentary pleasures will become perpetual horrors in that eternal doom. But know thou that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment (Eccl. 11:9b). Evil men never look back to see the Avenger following hard at their heels, and for whom there is no city of refuge to hide in. It is this sinful blindness that makes his overthrow all the more tragic and certain (Deut. 29:19, 20; 1 Thes. 5:3).

2. Godly Instruction: A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children. Verse 22 illustrates how good is repaid to the righteous (21b). Remember, Proverbs deals mostly with the general outworkings of Providence. This promise, however, is more often true than we may care to confess. There is a sense in which it is always true, for this means more than worldly wealth. None are perfectly or naturally good. God has saved some, and begun a good work in them. A good man, therefore, obtains comfort in himself because comforted in his God. What he passes on to his children by precept and example is an inheritance far more valuable than material things. He is thoughtful for his children and trains them to do likewise. It is better far to be the son of a poor saint, than of a great, but godless lord. Though spoken of man, it does not exclude woman. Who can estimate the inheritance left by a godly mother (Pr. 31)?

3. Kindly Admonition: To admonish means “to put into the mind” of our children (Eph. 6:4). These may be even more permanent than his instructions. So good men put good, that is, godly values and virtues into the minds of their children. The character of a father and his habits are the most successful admonitions that his children can receive from him. His example does more to determine their habits than all his best instructions. This finds its basis in a genuine faith that they can see demonstrated consistently in his life. Talents are less important than virtue which children may only fully appreciate later.

4. Heavenly Protection: While doing all he can to provide for and guide his children in their plans, a good man’s chief dependence is on God. In his prayers he commits them daily to God’s over-ruling Providence (Ps. 103:17). Now, the out-workings of Providence are not always uniform. Even the children of a good man may turn out badly because of their misconduct, and they will have to answer for how they abused their good inheritance, yet Heaven still rules and over rules.

Thought: “Home is the seminary of all other institutions.”

Prayer: For more such homes and godly inheritances.