Do you want to leave a legacy for future generations? Then you should focus on building generational wealth. The Bible can help you get on track to start laying a strong financial foundation for generations to come. In particular, the Book of Proverbs has plenty of insight about how we should think about wealth.
A common theme is the prosperity of the righteous and the downfall of the wicked. Proverbs 15:6 says, “In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, but trouble befalls the income of the wicked,” and Proverbs 22:16 notes that, “One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and one who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.”
However, one of my favorite descriptions of this concept can be found in Proverbs 13:22. It says:
“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, But the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.”
I like the sound of that! In today’s blog, we will learn how to apply Proverbs 13:22 principles to our lives to achieve generational wealth. We will explore:
1. The Meaning of Leaving a Proverbs 13:22 Legacy
2. Leaving a Legacy of Wisdom and Stewardship
3. How Proverbs 13:22 Leads To Generational Wealth
[Related: What Does The Bible Say About Generational Wealth]
First, we will explore the meaning of Proverbs 13:22.
The Meaning of Leaving a Proverbs 13:22 Legacy
“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.”
Everyone wants to leave a legacy. God designed us with a desire to be fruitful, multiply, and make a lasting impact. There is more than one way to leave an inheritance. At WealthBuilders, we want to equip people to impart spiritual and financial legacy.
Building wealth for future generations is a selfless act. It’s like planting a tree you will never eat from. My friend, pastor, and real estate investor Dan Dyer gives one of the best teachings I’ve heard on generational wealth. He poses the following question in response to Proverbs 13:22:
“What if the wealth of the wicked laid up for us is so that we can influence, impart, discover, develop, and deploy the next generation?” Dan asks, “The next generation is our glory and the Lord’s inheritance.”
Leaving a Legacy of Wisdom and Stewardship
In other words, Proverbs 13:22 describes a cycle that applies to leaving a legacy. The righteous attain the wealth of the wicked, and then they use it to leave an inheritance for their children. If those children are not taught how to steward their money, their wealth will fall into the hands of the next righteous generation. This describes what it means to leave a legacy.
It is always interesting to me when Christians feel funny talking about money. There are so many questions surrounding money like, if the righteous are to displace the wealth of the wicked, then why:
- Do millions of Christians experience poverty?
- Does the stock market generate billions of dollars from companies contributing to immoral causes such as abortion?
- Is a profit of $3,000 per second made through pornography in the United States?
Like Job, we ask, “why do the wicked prosper, growing old and powerful?” (Job 21:7)
The Tension of Now and Not Yet
When Jesus’ walked this earth, He frequently preached, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus inaugurated the Kingdom. However, it will not be fully realized until Christ returns. In terms of the Kingdom, we live in the now and not yet. This tension fuels our mission as followers of Christ.
For example, in Christ’s Kingdom, the righteous are blessed, and the wicked do not prosper from their schemes. If we know that is an aspect of Christ’s Kingdom, we should do everything we can to make it a present reality. As Jesus prayed, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)
How Proverbs 13:22 Leads To Generational Wealth
Proverbs 13:22 does not mean that God will steal money out of some people’s safes and drop it on the laps of others. To be honest, this is where many prosperity teachers have gone wrong. They tell you that you can prosper, but they do not tell you how to prosper. Money does not rain down from the sky (but if you happen to see that, please let me know.) Jokes aside, wealth in the earth simply changes hands.
Here are 3 ways you can be ready to receive it:
1. Get knowledge to build generational wealth
You need knowledge in order to recognize a good opportunity when it comes to you. I’m preaching to the choir—if you are on the WealthBuilders blog, you’re already hungry for information. That’s a great start! I encourage you to fully commit to the journey. You do not know what you do not know. Consume a steady, well-rounded diet of financial content. Read books, listen to podcasts, subscribe to financial e-newsletters, ask questions, and surround yourself with trusted mentors. The 2024 WealthBuilders Conference is a great place to do what?. If you have not purchased a ticket yet, this is a great time– tickets are just $137 through December 31st. (You can get your WealthBuilders Conference ticket here.)
2. Be faithful and multiply what you have to build generational wealth.
At some point, information must become revelation. Apply the knowledge to the resources you already have. You must steward your current financial responsibilities well before you can handle an increase. In His grace, God will not attract more wealth to your life if you cannot manage what you’ve got.
Nobody built significant wealth by earning and saving. You must learn how to invest. You do not need a lot of money to begin. At its core, investing is just making one into a little (or a lot) more. Here are some ideas:
- Create a budget that allocates room for investing
- Buy undervalued items and flip them for a profit
- Save for a down payment on a personal home. If you’re already a homeowner, save for your first rental property.
- Open a Roth IRA
3. Invest in a biblically responsible way to build generational wealth.
There are systemic reasons why the wicked have wealth in the first place. The stock market is full of companies that support abortion, human trafficking, and pornography. When people invest in those companies, more wealth is quite literally handed over to the wicked. However, there is good news: you can be a conscientious investor for the Kingdom of Heaven.
The Biblically Responsible Investing movement is gaining momentum. A Biblically Responsible Investment strategy avoids investments that support causes contrary to a biblical worldview. When you invest in companies that promote human flourishing, you actively transfer money to the righteous.
[Related: How to Invest With Little Money (5 Great Places to Start)]
As you move forward on your journey of building generational wealth, remember that you are not alone. Join us at The WealthBuilders Conference 2024 to connect with like-minded individuals, learn from experts, and discover new strategies for achieving financial success in a way that aligns with your values. Together, we can create a lasting legacy of financial prosperity for ourselves and our families. Click here to secure your spot at The WealthBuilders Conference 2024.
I would like to know more about wealth builders investment for i am intrested i want to invest in it.
Hello Mathato! Thanks for connecting. We encourage you to visit https://www.wealthbuilders.org/invest/
Please let me know more about what do in order to More details on what you offer
Thank you for this!! Greatly blesses and inspires me. Would love to get in contact with someone to see more.
Hi There!
I haven’t got any understanding about of this ministry I don’t have any experience in this field of investments,I do believe in tithes and offerings and partnerships with Ministry’s that preach The Gospel of Grace.
To put it in a nutshell I don’t have a business and have no experience of running one but I know Jesus loves me and I love him to.I do watch GTTV and that’s how I came across this ministry.And would like to say thank you for this opportunity to send you a comment and I pray that this ministry will continue to grow in these last days we live in for the Glory of God and his His Kingdom to come yes and Amen! All the best and Blessings
Andy.
I thank God for the good teachings that I’m getting. These principles are motivating me even more
. How can one Invest when his income is not enough to sustain him?
Great Blog, thank you!
I am 75 years old, out of debt but have only a small legacy to pass on to family. I’m a faithful tither but when I do the math on how much I’ve given in tithes and offerings, the amount is staggering. I struggle to not be resentful because that money alone would be a great legacy for family. My lack of proper planning is an even bigger issue. I’ve no desire for any more things. I have what I need. I feel like I’ve lived my life in a small box with no vision for the future, until now. For some reason I’m seeing out of the box to a world that might have been, a legacy I could have had and it becomes nearly impossible to sleep at night. I learned of your services just recently. I care deeply. Is there any hope? My health is good and I have a good pension.
Shortly after I sent my above comment I saw a list of 300 things to be grateful for and it changed by perspective big time. I’m now so embarrassed I sent this and wish I could take it down so I’ll do the next best thing and express gratitude for all the wonderful things I have to be thankful for. To all who may read this, please forgive my whining. My gratitude is to Jesus my Lord