https://odb.org/2026/09/10/legacy-of-generosity
Proverbs 13:22 A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children,
but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.
Though we didn’t live in the same state as my maternal grandparents, I’m grateful to have known them as well as I did. They traveled regularly to Colorado to see us, and we enjoyed visits with them in California. As my sister and I became adults, our conversations with our grandparents expanded from playful childhood topics to include more serious discussion of finances. They explained to us that they wanted to share their resources with us while they were alive but that most of their estate would be given to charity at their passing. My grandparents were, indeed, quite generous to us over their lifetimes. When they died, I was genuinely proud to see their remaining resources given to others. (Kirsten Holmberg, Our Daily Bread 10th September 2026)
Generous people desire to benefit those who’ll outlive them: “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children” (13:22). The Proverbs teach us some dimensions of giving that are unexpected. For example, “One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty” (11:24). Another insight is that God takes our generosity to others personally: “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord” (19:17 esv; see 14:31). Believers in Jesus view money as an investment in God’s work and His people rather than a commodity to consume. And that’s the posture of a blessed person. (Tim Laniak, Insight, Our Daily Bread 10th September 2026)
In my social circles, at work or in church or just among my friends and relatives, I’ve never heard of anyone ever giving away their wealth to charity upon their passing. No doubt I do not personally know billionaires but even billionaires in Malaysia are usually business people and their wealth are tied to their business or listed entities, making giving away to charities difficult. However, in recent years, I remember reading about a Singaporean billionaire having left his fortune to his grandchildren instead of his own immediate children. That appears to be the exact teaching of Proverbs 13:22!
If we really have abundance, we may consider leaving our wealth (at least some of it) to charity. But what’s more crucial in my view is to be generous while we are still alive, especially if we are wealthy. Yes, we need to provide for our old age but once that is provided for, we should be freer to use our money to bless others. This is how Kirsten Holmberg felt as her grandparents treated them well when they were alive although they made it clear they would be giving away their estate to charity when they passed. When they eventually did that, Kirsten did not feel she had lost out on an inheritance. Instead, she was proud of their legacy of generosity. The important thing is they were not miserly with them when they were alive.
I know of rich people (but not those with billions) who are stingy even with their own children as though their quest in life is to only add more zeros to their bank balances. A thrifty culture is a good thing to cultivate as a spendthrift will never accumulate anything (and thus may face issues when they are old and no longer earning). However, frugality in abundance is pointless because finances are meant to be used and if we are believers, we should use at least some of it to bless others.
In everything we do, there should be a balance. Sometimes, that is a fine line and yes, not everything is clear cut. Avoid extremes and we will have a better life. There is wisdom in wealth planning but there is also wisdom in being generous in the sight of God. Remember – whoever is generous to the poor, lends to the LORD (Proverbs 19:17). This means that when we are generous to the poor and needy, our Heavenly Father Himself becomes our debtor! But Paul said in Romans 11:35 that God is no man’s debtor! What all this means is that the more we give, the more we will receive (Proverbs 11:24)!
Ronnie's Thoughts 