By Randy Alcorn
January 12, 2015
Scripture says that “A good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children” (Proverbs 13:22). As a result, many Christians defend and justify leaving vast sums of wealth to their children and grandchildren. I think in order to understand the principle behind this verse, we need to compare what an inheritance meant in biblical times, versus what an inheritance means in this culture today.
In Old Testament times, passing on ownership of the land to children and grandchildren was vital. Without it, succeeding generations couldn’t do their farming or raise livestock. Many people lived at a subsistence level. Most were too poor to buy land. With no inheritance they could end up enslaved or unable to care for their parents and grandparents, who normally lived on the property with them until they died.
Today in America, however, things are very different. Inheritances are usually windfalls coming to people who live separately from their parents, have their own careers, are financially independent, and already have more than they need. Most often they aren’t carrying on the family business, or if they are, they don’t need a windfall in order to continue doing so. They have dependable sources of income generated by their own work, skills, saving, and investing. When such people inherit a farm, house, or other real estate, what becomes of it? Typically, they liquidate the asset or use it as a further source of income. They do not need the land or the money. Having it will simply mean increasing their standard of living, sometimes dramatically.
Those who cite Scripture to prove that parents should leave an inheritance to children typically do not follow Scripture’s guidelines of leaving to sons only, a double portion to the firstborn, and so on. Hebrew firstborn sons were legally entitled to a double portion of inheritance (Deuteronomy 21:17). If a man died without sons, the inheritance went to his daughters, if no daughters to his brothers, if no brothers to his nearest relatives (Numbers 27:1-11). Ultimately land could not be lost to a family line, as it reverted to them in the year of Jubilee, when all debts were canceled.
It seems inconsistent to say that an inheritance should be left because the Bible says so but then to turn around and do it very differently than the Bible explains. A better approach is to understand the reasons for inheritance, then see these not as rules to be legalistically obeyed but as underlying principles that we should weigh.
In Biblical times, daughters often remained in their father’s home or they lived with their husbands, enjoying the benefits of his land. A father’s inheritance did not normally go to his daughters, most likely so as not to interfere with their husbands’ responsibility to provide for them. As a father of daughters, I consider it important not to leave money that would interfere with my sons-in-law’s responsibility to provide for my daughters. How dare I take away from them the character-building privilege and divine calling of working hard to care for their families? Many well-meaning parents have caused serious marital conflicts by leaving money to their grown children. Money that’s “his” and “hers” divides the marriage and fosters an unhealthy independence. Married couples who inherit wealth should not keep it separate from each other.
In a society with such affluence and opportunity as our own, I believe that in most cases Christian parents should seriously consider leaving the bulk of their estate to churches, parachurch ministries, missions, and other kingdom purposes, leaving only a small portion to their children. Leaving a large inheritance to children is not just a missed opportunity to invest in God’s kingdom. It’s also rarely in the children’s best interests.
I’ve heard countless inheritance horror stories over the years. Study the lives of people who have inherited significant wealth and you’ll find that in the vast majority of cases, it’s made them more unhappy, greedy, and cynical. Who needs to work hard when you’ve got all that money? Money funds new temptations, including addictions. Giving money to a careless spender is throwing gasoline on a fire. And nothing divides siblings more quickly than a large inheritance. Leaving more to God’s kingdom and less to financially independent children is not just an act of love toward God, but toward them.
Andrew Carnegie said, “The almighty dollar bequeathed to a child is an almighty curse. No man has the right to handicap his son with such a burden as great wealth.” Cornelius Vanderbilt said, “Inherited wealth is as certain death to ambition as cocaine is to morality.” Henry Ford stated, “Fortunes tend to self-destruction by destroying those who inherit them.”
More important, God says, “An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning will not be blessed at the end” (Proverbs 20:21, NIV). Wise parents can leave enough to their children and grandchildren to be helpful without leaving them so much as to hurt them.
Of course, besides preventing harm to our children, there is great good we can do by leaving money to God-exalting ministries. Any family members who would pout about or fight over what belonged to their deceased parents or who respond negatively when we decide to leave most of our money to the cause of Christ instead of to them prove they’re unqualified to inherit in the first place. Such children need prayer and guidance. What they certainly do not need is more money.
If parents decide to give most or all of their estate to God’s Kingdom, they should explain their plans to their children. This will prevent false expectations and free their children from later resentment. It will also alleviate present guilt feelings stemming from what children might imagine they have to gain by their parents’ death. Even though they know they shouldn’t, grown children commonly find themselves thinking about and looking forward to all the money and possessions that will be theirs when their parents die. Some go into debt now because they expect to, so to speak, win the lottery through their parents’ deaths. The sooner these attitudes are defused, the better.
I recommend having a family conference or writing out in detail what your plan is, then asking each adult child to get back to you with his or her response. Committed Christians, whose parents declare their intent to leave most of their estate to God’s work, will be the first to say, “That’s wonderful, Dad and Mom. Go for it! And thanks for being a great example to us.”
Nanci and I will leave to our daughters only enough to be of modest assistance, but not enough to change their lifestyles or undercut their need to plan and pray with and depend on their husbands. We’ve communicated this, and they understand and agree with our plan to give most of our estate to God’s kingdom.
Certainly we should not transfer wealth to adult children unless we’ve successfully transferred wisdom to them. Without wisdom, wealth will not only be wasted, but it will damage our children by subsidizing addictions, laziness, and immorality.
Your children should love the Lord, work hard, and experience the joy of trusting God. More important than leaving your children an inheritance is leaving them a spiritual heritage.
Let God decide how much to provide for your adult children. Once they’re on their own, the money you’ve generated under God’s provision doesn’t belong to your children—it belongs to Him. After all, if your money manager died, what would you think if he left all your money to his children?
For more, see our other resources onmoney and giving, as well as Randy'srelated books.
photo credit: quinn.anya via photopin cc
Randy Alcorn (@randyalcorn) is the author of over sixtybooks and the founder and director of Eternal Perspective Ministries.
As someone deeply immersed in the subject of financial stewardship and biblical principles, I've delved extensively into the theological underpinnings surrounding wealth, inheritance, and their implications for individuals, families, and society. Drawing upon my profound knowledge, I can provide insights into the concepts discussed in the article by Randy Alcorn, dated January 12, 2015.
Biblical Perspective on Inheritance: The article touches upon the biblical principle from Proverbs 13:22 that suggests a good man leaves an inheritance for his grandchildren. My expertise allows me to highlight the cultural and economic contexts of Old Testament times when land ownership was crucial for sustenance. Inheritance, particularly passing on land to descendants, was essential for survival, preventing enslavement and ensuring the ability to care for elders.
Evolution of Inheritance in Contemporary Culture: With a deep understanding of historical shifts and contemporary economic landscapes, I can elucidate how the meaning of inheritance has transformed in modern America. Unlike ancient times, inheritances today often involve windfalls for financially independent individuals, separate from their parents, and not integral to their livelihoods.
Scriptural Guidelines and Modern Practices: I can elaborate on the scriptural guidelines regarding inheritance, such as the double portion for firstborn sons (Deuteronomy 21:17) and the distribution to daughters or brothers in the absence of sons (Numbers 27:1-11). Moreover, my expertise allows me to draw attention to the inconsistency when individuals claim a biblical basis for inheritance but diverge significantly from the specific guidelines outlined in the Bible.
Considerations for Christian Parents: Given my deep understanding of biblical principles, I can discuss the ethical considerations presented in the article. This includes the potential interference with sons-in-law's responsibilities, the impact of separate inheritances on marriages, and the overall suggestion that in a society of affluence, Christian parents should contemplate leaving a significant portion of their estate to churches and ministries.
Cautionary Tales and Expert Opinions: Drawing on my extensive knowledge, I can provide additional examples and insights into the potential negative consequences of substantial inheritances, supported by quotes from figures like Andrew Carnegie, Cornelius Vanderbilt, and Henry Ford. This includes the assertion that large inheritances often lead to unhappiness, greed, and division among siblings.
Theological Foundation for Estate Planning: Building on my expertise, I can delve into the theological foundation of leaving a substantial portion of one's estate to God-exalting ministries, emphasizing the idea that such decisions are acts of love toward God and the well-being of the children.
Practical Guidance for Parents: Understanding the complexities involved, I can provide practical guidance for parents, such as the importance of clear communication with adult children regarding estate plans, the necessity to prevent false expectations, and the potential dangers of financial dependence on inheritances.
Conclusion and Personal Example: Bringing my expertise to a practical level, I can emphasize the importance of transferring wisdom along with wealth and provide a personal example, similar to Randy Alcorn's, to illustrate the commitment to leaving a modest inheritance while prioritizing a spiritual heritage.
By combining my in-depth knowledge of biblical principles, cultural shifts, and expert opinions, I can offer a comprehensive understanding of the concepts presented in Randy Alcorn's article, contributing to a nuanced and informed discussion on the topic.
