20-21 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Disaster pursues sinners, but the righteous are rewarded with good.

22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the sinner's wealth is laid up for the righteous. 23 The fallow ground of the poor would yield much food, but it is swept away through injustice.

24 Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him. 25 The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite, but the belly of the wicked suffers want. Proverbs 13:20-25 English Standard Version.

If you are somebody whose parents or grandparents have passed away – did you receive any inheritance? If you are a grandparent or a parent, will you be leaving an inheritance? If you’re still a young person perhaps these might seem unimportant questions at this stage of your life, but read on because these words in Proverbs are for you too. Why is that? (vs 20-21)

If we are willing to keep company with people who are wise and learn from them, we will grow wise too. And that wisdom will include what we do with our money and with our lives in general. That's why verse 22 fits in well. People who've been wise with money, as well as honest, often have an inheritance to leave to others. But we need to remember that Proverbs is part of the Old Testament. In those days wealth honestly gained was seen as a big sign of God's blessing.

The New Testament tells us that we are living in 'the last hour'. And while it doesn’t say that money is not important, it does speak of things that are worth more than money. Here's what the apostle Paul said to a young man named Timothy: “I'm reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I'm sure, dwells in you as well.” (2 Timothy 1:5) Timothy’s Grand-mom and mom had left him the example of sincere (genuine) faith! Never underestimate the benefit to your loved ones of a consistent walk with Jesus Christ.

What is another thing that parents should do for their children which can have a lasting benefit to their lives and is just as valuable as an inheritance? (vs 24)

This verse isn't teaching violent beating of a child, but loving them enough to not let them grow up spoiled and wild. Verse 21 said that those who hang around with fools harm themselves. Loving parents don't want that for their children and will use appropriate discipline to correct them. The Bible even teaches that some hard times we go through are actually God's way of disciplining us “for the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” (Hebrews 12:6) What is one of the outcomes of parents teaching their children wisdom and being willing to discipline them? (vs 25)

Those who have grown up with the wisdom that leads to right living are usually content in life. This is the opposite of those people Paul spoke about when he said “their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.” (Philippians 3:19) Sin loving people are never fully satisfied.

Verse 23 seems the odd one out here, but actually it can apply to what we've been saying above. There are parents who could've had more money to leave as an inheritance, but who suffered loss through people who were dishonest. I know of Christians to whom that happened – yet they left their children an example of faith and love for Christ despite the dishonesty they experienced from others. Have we thought what we will leave to others?