While the saying highlights the natural decline of riches when mismanaged, the Bible presents the Jubilee law as God’s way of preventing lasting inequality and financial ruin. This system was designed to ensure that no family would be trapped in poverty forever and that wealth would be redistributed every fifty years. By comparing the two, we can uncover valuable lessons about justice, stewardship, and God’s provision.
The Jubilee: God’s Design for Justice
The Jubilee law, described in Leviticus 25, was a reset built into Israel’s society. Every 50 years, land was returned to its original families, debts were canceled, and slaves were freed. This system prevented generational poverty and reminded the Israelites that all resources ultimately belonged to God.
The Jubilee reflects God’s heart for restoration and fairness. It ensured no family would be permanently trapped by misfortune or oppressed by another’s greed. It was a bold reminder that God values people more than possessions.
The prophet Isaiah captured this vision in Isaiah 61:1-2:
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me... to proclaim liberty to the captives and the year of the Lord’s favor."
Jesus later quoted this passage in Luke 4:18-19, declaring that He was the fulfillment of this promise. Through Him, we are offered the ultimate reset: freedom from sin and spiritual bondage.
Wealth and Its Fragility
Throughout history, the rise-and-fall pattern described in the saying Wealth does not last beyond three generations has repeated itself. Even the wealthiest families can fall victim to greed, complacency, or a lack of vision for the future. Consider the Vanderbilt family: Cornelius Vanderbilt built a railroad empire in the 19th century, but by the third generation, the fortune was largely depleted due to extravagant lifestyles and mismanagement.
This is a stark reminder of Proverbs 23:4-5:
"Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven."
Placing the saying Wealth does not last beyond three generations and the Jubilee Law side by side, it brings home the point in the Bible warning us that wealth is temporary. The Jubilee law then points to a better way—one that prioritizes justice, generosity, and humility.
Living the Spirit of Jubilee
While we no longer practice the Jubilee law today, its principles remain profoundly relevant. Here’s how we can embrace its spirit in our lives:
- Practice Generosity: Share your resources with those in need. For example, support local charities, sponsor education for underprivileged children, or donate to organizations fighting poverty.
- Promote Fairness: Advocate for justice by supporting ethical businesses, volunteering for social causes, or encouraging workplace equity.
- Release Debts: Forgive financial or relational debts as a reflection of God’s grace toward us.
- Steward Resources Wisely: Recognize that everything we have belongs to God and use it to bless others, whether through tithing, hospitality, or acts of kindness.
The Jubilee reminds us that God values people equally and desires a world where no one is forgotten or left behind.
A Lesson in Redemption
Both Wealth does not last beyond three generations and the Jubilee Law point to the fragility of wealth but from different perspectives. The proverb warns us of human flaws—greed, entitlement, and poor stewardship—while the Jubilee reflects God’s redemptive plan for justice and mercy. Through Jesus, we are offered a permanent reset, one that transcends wealth and restores our relationship with God.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your heart of justice and mercy. Help us live with open hands, sharing generously and stewarding wisely. Teach us to reflect Your love by standing up for fairness, forgiving debts, and lifting up the oppressed.
Lord, remind us that all we have comes from You. Free us from the grip of materialism and help us place our trust in Your provision. Let us live as examples of Your kingdom, where people are valued above possessions and love abounds for all. Thank You for the ultimate Jubilee found in Jesus, who resets and redeems us.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
