Proverbs 13:22-23 – An Inheritance of Prayer
Often in Proverbs we find general statements that do not necessarily speak of everyone. Look at verse 22. Many believers have no inheritance to leave, or no children, or no grandchildren, and many unbelievers have wealth that passes down through several generations. But while we should work to provide for our children’s children, there is one sense in which this verse can apply to everyone. For there is one inheritance we can leave our children, whether our own or the covenant children of the church, and that is an inheritance of prayer. How much of the growth we experience is part of the faithful prayers of our ancestors we’ll not know until eternity. But think of those who had a grandmother or great-grandfather praying for them, perhaps even before they were born. Think of how many have been kept from following the paths of sin through the faithful prayers of their mother or father or others in the church. We all might have inherited prayer, and we all can lay up this inheritance for others. But the wealth of the sinner will fade away and the righteous will inherit the earth.
Verse 23 has a deeper application than just a statement of the misuse of good things. There are many in the church who have great talents, great gifts, great abilities. Even the smallest church might yield a rich harvest, but far too often these gifts are squandered, neglected, or used unwisely. We must look to our own lives and determine if we are using our gifts to the best of our ability, and we must pray for and encourage our leaders to direct the gifts of the church wisely and well for a good harvest.
Questions
- What inheritance can we leave our children?
- How will this benefit them?
- What gifts has God given you? How are you using them?
- How can we encourage our leaders to lead us?
Prayer Points
- Pray for our covenant children.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.