What Does The Bible Say About Leaving An Inheritance?
Discussions around inheritance can bring up a lot of questions, especially for Christians who want to manage their assets in a way that aligns with Biblical principles. If you’ve wondered what the Bible says about leaving an inheritance, you’ve come to the right place.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: The Bible does not command leaving an inheritance, but it allows and encourages it as an act of wise stewardship and parental care. Proverbs urges planning ahead and managing wealth responsibly to provide for your family.
In this comprehensive article, we will examine several key Bible passages that relate to inheritances and glean principles for what the Bible teaches about this important topic. We’ll consider Old and New Testament perspectives, inheritance laws, examples of inheritance practices, and biblical financial wisdom that can help guide decisions about estate planning.
The Old Testament Allowed and Regulated Inheritances
Inheritance Laws in the Mosaic Law
The Mosaic Law in the Old Testament provided detailed regulations regarding inheritances. When a man died, his property was divided among his sons, with the firstborn receiving a double portion (Deuteronomy 21:17).
Daughters could inherit if there were no sons, but they had to marry within their tribe so the property didn’t pass to another tribe (Numbers 36).
The laws ensured inheritances remained in families and tribes. They prevented situations where debt or misfortune could result in losing ancestral lands. According to Jewish Virtual Library, “These laws emphasized the importance of keeping property within a family line and tribe.”
The inheritance regulations reflected careful stewardship of resources within the covenant community.
Inheritances in the Old Testament Narrative Books
Many Old Testament stories involve inheritances. For example, Abraham was concerned because he had no son to pass his wealth to. God promised him an heir and eventually fulfilled this through Isaac (Genesis 15:1-6).
Jacob deceived his brother Esau out of his birthright, securing the inheritance (Genesis 25:29-34). This emphasizes how highly valued inheritances were.
Inheritances could also be withdrawn as judgment. Eli’s sons “treated the Lord’s offering with contempt,” so God declared he would “cut short” their strength and priestly line (1 Samuel 2:12-36). Here, corrupt priests lost the privilege of their ancestral inheritance through unfaithfulness.
New Testament Teaching Related to Inheritances
The New Testament provides valuable perspective on inheritances that continues principles from the Old Testament yet also brings new insight. Jesus taught profound truths about inheriting eternal life and leaving spiritual legacies that transcend earthly wealth.
Inheriting Eternal Life
Jesus made clear that while earthly inheritances pass away, God offers an eternal inheritance to those who follow Him. He told an inquiring rich man, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.
Then come, follow me” (Matthew 19:21). Surrendering earthly wealth and finding true life in Christ leads to inheriting eternal blessings.
The apostle Paul wrote that sin leads to death, but God gives eternal life through Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23). Also, those led by God’s Spirit are His children and heirs of the promise of eternal life (Galatians 3:29; Titus 3:7). This eternal inheritance far surpasses any earthly wealth.
Leaving Spiritual Legacies
The New Testament highlights that disciples of Jesus should strive to leave spiritual inheritances for others. Jesus told Peter that upon the rock of divine revelation, He would build His church that even the gates of Hades would not overcome (Matthew 16:18).
Thus, Peter inherited a spiritual legacy of building Christ’s church.
Also, Paul wrote to Timothy about the spiritual legacy that his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice passed on to him by teaching him the Scriptures from childhood (2 Timothy 1:5). This legacy continued as Paul exhorted Timothy to entrust the gospel message to faithful individuals who could teach others (2 Timothy 2:2).
Disciples of Jesus inherit and pass on spiritual wealth.
The Bible does not forbid leaving earthly inheritances. However, Scripture urges Christ’s followers to invest first in eternally meaningful spiritual legacies. As Jesus said, “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:20).
Principles for Inheritance from Proverbs
Leave an inheritance as an act of care and stewardship
The Bible encourages leaving an inheritance for one’s family as an act of love and provision (Proverbs 13:22). A good person leaves an inheritance to their children’s children, caring for the generations to come. However, wealth should be stewarded well, not hoarded selfishly.
Wise management and generous giving should precede leaving an inheritance (Ecclesiastes 5:13-14).
For example, the website GotQuestions.org notes that inheritances should be left unselfishly, not due to greed or pride. Inheritances can provide stability for families, but wisdom is needed to manage wealth wisely beforehand.
Use wealth wisely – inheritances follow proper management
Inheritances naturally follow from wise stewardship of resources. As Proverbs 13:22 states, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.” First, resources must be well-managed and unselfishly invested to even have an inheritance to leave.
Proverbs 13:11 notes, “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” Building wealth slowly through diligence and patience allows more resources to share later.
Ecclesiastes 5:19 also reminds that enjoying life’s simple blessings and managing wealth appropriately precedes leaving an inheritance.
According to the website FamilyLife, the size of an inheritance matters far less than how it was acquired – honestly and generously over time.
Avoid greed and seek wisdom in inheritance decisions
While leaving an inheritance can bless others, greed and selfish ambition have no place. Ecclesiastes 2:18-19 warns that amassing wealth for inheritance alone is meaningless. Proverbs 23:4 also cautions against wearing yourself out chasing wealth.
Wisdom and counsel should guide all inheritance decisions, not greed or pride. As Proverbs 15:22 advises, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Seeking wise financial counsel ensures inheritances are left unselfishly and stewarded well by recipients.
Research by Merrill Lynch (full study here) showed 67% of inherited wealth is well-managed when recipients are prepared and advised on wise stewardship. Thoughtful inheritance planning and counsel prevent greedy misuse of wealth.
Practical Advice for Inheritance Planning
Consult attorneys and financial advisors
When creating an inheritance plan, it’s wise to consult attorneys and financial advisors who specialize in estate planning. They can help you understand legal issues like taxes, trusts, wills, and asset distribution. You want to ensure your inheritance wishes are properly documented and enforceable.
A good estate planning professional will also consider your family dynamics and guide you on communicating with potential heirs. They may advise setting up trusts or gifting assets while you’re alive to reduce taxes. Their expertise can make the inheritance process smoother for everyone.
Have open conversations with heirs
It’s best to have open and honest conversations with potential heirs about your plans for distributing assets after you pass away. Clear communication can prevent ugly conflicts and preserve family relationships. Explain your reasoning for dividing assets unequally if that’s your wish.
Make sure heirs understand provisions like trusts and estate taxes. Ask for their input but don’t let yourself be pressured. Young heirs may lack financial wisdom at first, but your patience and guidance can help them mature. Schedule family meetings to discuss the inheritance if needed.
Treat heirs with grace and aim for win-win solutions.
Consider ministry legacy planning
For Christians seeking to honor God with their inheritance, ministry legacy planning is worth considering. Here are some options:
- Leave a percentage of your estate or specific assets to your church or other ministries you support.
- Set up a donor-advised fund at a community foundation to create an ongoing charitable fund.
- Name a ministry as beneficiary of a retirement account or life insurance policy.
- Establish a charitable trust or foundation to benefit ministries over time.
Some benefits of ministry legacy planning are reducing estate taxes, providing ongoing income for your heirs and funding kingdom work for generations to come. Your faith-based financial advisors can help you design a custom plan.
The key is starting early, being intentional and seeking God’s wisdom each step of the way.
Conclusion
In summary, the Bible does not command leaving an inheritance, but presents it as a wise practice that provides for loved ones, stewards resources, and gives parents a means to bless children even after death.
While inheritances should be handled with care and wisdom, they can be used as an opportunity to extend Christ-like love and provision to family and ministry.
The Bible offers helpful principles, but for practical modern application, believers should seek godly counsel in making estate plans that align with both biblical values and legal requirements. With prayer and planning, inheritances can become a meaningful part of a lasting, faith-based legacy.
