An inheritance gained hastily

September 18, 2018

Proverbs 20:21

“An inheritance gained hastily, in the beginning, will not be blessed in the end.”

King Solomon was so wise, and yet often one goes to all kinds of help books and does not turn to the Proverbs of Solomon for direction.  We have a great example of this in Luke 15:11-13, “Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons.  The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.”  I’m sure you recall how the young man’s acquaintances were gone when his dad’s money ran out.  But in that he was young and foolish he believed them to be his friends, many a young person has to learn this lesson.  It is my belief after living life for 76 years on planet earth, that you will have many acquaintances but few friends at any given time of life.

I also have witnessed what happens to an inheritance gained hastily, it is a sad state of a young man who makes many bad choices.  His dad was a farmer and rancher and had worked hard all of his life to buy up land all around him. At the time of his death, he owned1200 acres of excellent ranch land, debt free.  My father-in-law was his neighbor, and for a few years, we leased about 600 acres to hunt on.  The old man must have loved and trusted his only son to care for his mother, and she had a lovely home, and a big garden and the son was to take care of the land and cattle.  But not being wise and not wanting to work he began to sell off some of the cattle and then a local banker saw an easy target and started to loan him all the money he wanted, and he was living high on the hog as one says in Texas.  But then the banker wanted his money and began to take his land and cattle till mom had to sign off on everything even her home and she and the boy ended up with a 12 X 60’ trailer and one acre of land.

So if you are wise you will listen to Solomon, what does not cost you is always easy to spend, as we witness with our local, state, and federal governments.  Some quotes on inheritance: “I would as soon leave my son a curse as the almighty dollar.” (Andrew Carnegie)  

“If you want to really know what your friends and family think of you die broke, and then see who shows up for the funeral.” (Gregory Nunn)

“This is all the inheritance I give to my dear family. The religion of Christ will give them one which will make them rich indeed.”  (Patrick Henry)

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice