The Proverb writer tells us, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, and the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous” (Proverbs 13:22). Here we are told here that one of the marks of a good man is that he leaves an inheritance for his grandchildren.

Of course, when we study the Proverbs, it is important to remember that many of the statements are generalizations. One may be a good man and have no grandchildren to whom he can leave an inheritance. There may be financial circumstances in one’s life beyond his control that would prevent him from doing this. But in considering this passage, we should ask the question: What would it take for one to be able to leave an inheritance to his grandchildren?

Hard Work — The Scriptures teach that the way for one to earn money is through working. A man must be “willing to work” in order to be able to provide for himself (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Beyond one’s own personal needs, this money can also be used to help one’s family (1 Timothy 5:8) and others (Ephesians 4:28).

Good Stewardship — Life is uncertain. Therefore, all of our decisions (including financial decisions) must be made with an eye toward the future (James 4:13-15). Instead of being like the prodigal son who foolishly “squandered his estate” (Luke 8:13), we should rather be like Paul who worked “night and day so as not to be a burden to any” (1 Thessalonians 2:9), while being “content in whatever circumstances” he found himself (Philippians 4:11-12).

Selflessness — I hear many people say (perhaps jokingly, perhaps not) that they do not plan to leave any money to their children, let alone their grandchildren, because they earned it, so they’re going to spend it for themselves. There is certainly nothing wrong with one enjoying the fruits of his labor (Psalm 128:2). But we are also told, “do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4).

Hard work, stewardship, and selflessness — these are the qualities that are necessary for a man to be able to leave an inheritance for his grandchildren. These are also qualities that God expects all of us to have as Christians. Therefore, whether we find ourselves in the position to be able to leave something for our grandchildren or not, let us strive to grow in these areas and use the blessings that God has given in a way that would honor Him.