Old Testament

Proverbs 13:22

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

A good person leaves an inheritance to his children's children, and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.

What Proverbs 13:22 means

Plain-English insight for readers

This verse highlights the importance of leaving a legacy for future generations. A good person, characterized by their righteousness and integrity, ensures that their children and grandchildren benefit from their hard work and wise decisions. This inheritance can be financial, but it also includes values, wisdom, and life lessons. In contrast, the wealth accumulated by those who act unjustly will ultimately be transferred to the righteous. This suggests that while the wicked may prosper temporarily, their wealth is not secure and will eventually benefit those who live according to God's principles. The verse encourages individuals to think beyond their own lives and consider the impact of their actions on their descendants, promoting a long-term perspective on wealth and morality.

How to apply Proverbs 13:22 to your life

To apply this verse, focus on building a legacy that benefits your family. This can involve saving money, teaching values, and sharing wisdom. Consider how your actions today will influence future generations, and strive to live a life that reflects integrity and righteousness.

Curated for this public verse page. Proverbs Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Rachel smiling as she holds her newborn son Joseph inside a lamp-lit tent

Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Joseph, Jacob's son

Wide frontal view of the Great Ziggurat of Ur, with a central brick stair rising between broad buttressed mud-brick walls in a hazy desert setting.

Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Ur

The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Proverbs 13:22

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Proverbs 13:22

At a Glance — the Book of Proverbs

Author
Primarily Solomon, with other contributors
Written
Around 950-700 BC
Genre
Wisdom literature
Original Audience
Young people and all seeking wisdom

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Proverbs 13:22 mean?

Proverbs 13:22 emphasizes the importance of leaving a legacy for future generations. It suggests that a good person ensures their children and grandchildren benefit from their hard work, while the wealth of the unjust will eventually be passed on to the righteous.

What is the meaning of inheritance in Proverbs 13:22?

In Proverbs 13:22, inheritance refers to the legacy left by a good person, which includes not just financial assets but also values, wisdom, and life lessons that benefit future generations.

How can I apply Proverbs 13:22 in my life?

To apply Proverbs 13:22, focus on building a legacy that positively impacts your family. This includes saving for their future, teaching them important values, and sharing life lessons that will guide them.

What does the wealth of the sinner mean in Proverbs 13:22?

The wealth of the sinner in Proverbs 13:22 refers to the riches accumulated by those who act unjustly. The verse suggests that this wealth is not secure and will eventually benefit those who live righteously.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.