What does the Bible say about family inheritance?

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The Bible teaches that family inheritance is a good stewardship responsibility, yet earthly wealth must never become our hope or master. Proverbs 13:22 commends the wise person who leaves an inheritance for grandchildren, portraying provision across generations as a fruit of diligence and foresight. Yet Luke 16:11 warns that faithfulness with worldly wealth tests whether we can be trusted with true spiritual riches. Jesus also guards hearts against greed in Luke 12:15, reminding us that life does not consist in possessions. Christian families should therefore provide wisely, give generously, avoid favoritism and covetousness, and point their children above all to the lasting inheritance secured for believers in Christ.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Proverbs 13:22 36 votes

    A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored for the righteous.

  • Luke 16:11 11 votes

    If therefore you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?

  • Luke 12:15 9 votes

    He said to them, “Beware! Keep yourselves from covetousness, for a man’s life doesn’t consist of the abundance of the things which he possesses.”

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