Proverbs 20:21 - Printer Friendly

ESV: An inheritance gained hastily in the beginning will not be blessed in the end.

NIV: An inheritance claimed too soon will not be blessed at the end.

NASB: An inheritance gained in a hurry at the beginning Will not be blessed in the end.

CSB: An inheritance gained prematurely will not be blessed ultimately.

NLT: An inheritance obtained too early in life is not a blessing in the end.

KJV: An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.

NKJV: An inheritance gained hastily at the beginning Will not be blessed at the end.

In an earlier statement, Solomon (Proverbs 10:1) noted the shame of a child who abuses their parents (Proverbs 19:26). He also commented on the dangers of "get rich quick" thinking (Proverbs 13:11). When godliness is thrown aside in pursuit of wealth, that wealth is not likely to last. Even in well-meaning situations, sudden wealth carries serious risks. Many modern-day lottery winners, who unexpectedly became enormously rich, find themselves bankrupt within several years. The spiritual maturity that helps a person properly care for what they have is incompatible with the immaturity that seeks money for money's sake.

A classic New Testament example of this principle is the prodigal son, from a parable of Jesus. This wayward child demanded his share of the inheritance prematurely and left home. Then he wasted what he'd demanded from his father, living a wild lifestyle. His reckless path led him to poverty and friendlessness. He took a lowly job feeding pigs—a humiliating position for a Jewish man of that era. He was so destitute and hungry that he wished he could eat the slop being fed to the swine, but no one gave him anything (Luke 15:11–16). He came to his senses and found forgiveness, but the lesson was still costly (Luke 15:17–24).

Jacob's example also shows the danger of conniving to gain wealth, especially at the expense of one's family. He cheated his brother, Esau, out of the blessing which rightly belonged to the older brother. Jacob disguised himself, so his blind father Isaac thought he was blessing Esau (Genesis 27:34–35). In the aftermath, Jacob was forced to flee from his murderous brother (Genesis 27:41–43). Later, when Jacob was working for his uncle Laban, the tables turned on him. Laban cheated him numerous times (Genesis 29:21–30; 30:33–35; 31:41–42). The love of money can bring many problems!

In this section of Solomon's wise sayings (Proverbs 10:1), he again discusses a wide range of subjects. These echo many of the common themes of the book of Proverbs. Solomon warns against foolishness (Proverbs 1:7), hastiness, angering authorities, and the consequences of sin and dishonesty. Several references condemn dishonest business dealings. Others note the value of diligence in making decisions.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.