When Scripture speaks of inheritance, it often points to more than just material wealth—it speaks of legacy, character, and God’s covenant across generations. Proverbs 13:22 reminds us, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.” But that inheritance isn't merely financial—it includes wisdom, values, and a way of life grounded in godly stewardship. Preparing the next generation to inherit wealth is not simply about passing on resources—it’s about discipling them to honor God with all they have been entrusted.
What Is a Steward?
A steward manages the owner’s property. As temporary stewards, we are responsible for preparing the next generation to faithfully manage what’s entrusted to them. Ron Blue’s Splitting Heirs book notes that $41 trillion will transfer in the U.S. over the next 50 years. Regardless of how much wealth you have accumulated, conversations concerning wealth transfer to the next generation are crucial. The following are several biblical principles to help guide your conversations to prepare the next steward.
1. Teach Stewardship, Not Ownership
God’s word makes it very clear: everything belongs to God. “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it” (Psalm 24:1). This truth reframes how we view wealth—not as something we own, but as something we manage on God’s behalf.
From a young age, teach children that money is a tool God provides to accomplish His purposes. Whether it’s through giving, investing, or spending, every financial decision is a chance to steward resources in a way that reflects His kingdom values. Financial decisions are rooted in our heart’s reflection of our understanding of stewarding or owning.
2. Impart Financial Wisdom Rooted in Scripture
Solomon prayed not for riches, but for wisdom—and God granted him both (1 Kings 3:9–13). Wealth without wisdom is dangerous, but wisdom guards and multiplies blessings. If we lack wisdom with little but then inherit much, it can lead to many paths of destruction.
Train the next generation in biblical financial principles: Spend less than you make (Proverbs 13:11), avoid the use of debt (Proverbs 22:7; Psalm 37.21), plan for financial margin or emergency savings (Proverbs 27:23-27), set long-term goals (Ephesians 2:10, James 4:13-16), and give generously (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). Consider walking through Proverbs together as a family—its teachings are timeless and practical.
3. Model Generosity as Worship
In God's economy, generosity isn’t optional—it’s a form of worship and a reflection of God’s character. “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
Invite the next generation to participate in decisions that involve giving. Let them see generosity not as a duty, but as a joy. Whether supporting missionaries, helping the poor, or funding Christian initiatives, generosity teaches them that wealth’s highest purpose is to serve others and glorify God. This can be accomplished through a family giving fund or through a shared charitable mission which you can do as a family. These can be good tools for training the next generation. It allows the opportunity for the next steward to see the heart behind leading with generosity.
4. Be Transparent About God's Faithfulness
Families often avoid discussing money, but transparency invites trust, understanding, and an opportunity to intentionally disciple. In Deuteronomy 6, God instructs parents to “teach His commands diligently to your children…when you sit at home and when you walk along the road.”
That includes sharing God’s provision, protection, and purpose through your financial journey. Be willing to tell the stories that you have: the risks taken, the seasons of lack, the times God came through. Help your children see your wealth not as self-made, but as God-given (Deuteronomy 8:18).
Our culture often encourages us to keep “our money” to ourselves for protection and safe keeping. But being transparent early and often for the next steward is a vital part in preparing them ahead of time.
5. Prepare Hearts Before Transferring Wealth
Jesus warns in Luke 16:11, “If you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?”
Before transferring wealth, ask: Is my heir’s heart prepared? Have they demonstrated faithfulness in small things (Luke 16:10)? Are they growing in character, humility, and spiritual maturity?
Wealth in the hands of the unprepared can be spiritually harmful as we discussed earlier concerning wisdom. Take time to disciple, coach, and mentor—not just educate. Spend time praying for them and with them. Look for opportunities to invite godly mentors into their lives. True preparation is spiritual first, financial second.
6. Guard Against Entitlement and Pride
The Bible consistently warns about the dangers of pride and complacency that can come with wealth. “Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:17).
Help the next generation understand that wealth is not a reward, but a responsibility. Talk openly about the spiritual pitfalls of entitlement. Jesus said, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be required” (Luke 12:48).
Encourage humility, gratitude, and a posture of service—traits that reflect Christ’s character far more than financial acumen alone.
7. Anchor Your Legacy in Eternal Purposes
No matter how carefully wealth is managed, only what is done for Christ will last. Teach your heirs that the ultimate goal isn’t merely to preserve family assets—it’s to advance God’s kingdom.
Consider crafting a family mission statement that reflects your shared calling. Ask questions like:
- How does God want us to use this wealth?
- What causes stir our hearts and align with our faith?
- How can we equip future generations to love God and serve others?
Your legacy isn’t necessarily what wealth you leave to your children—it’s more about what principles you impart to steward what has been entrusted to them. In John Maxwell’s book Intentional Living, he says, “The true measure of success is succession – what happens after you’re gone.”
Conclusion: A Spiritual Inheritance Worth Passing On
As Christian families, preparing the next steward for inheriting wealth is more than succession planning—it’s heart care. It’s a chance to disciple future generations in how to handle blessings and in particular financial wealth with integrity, faith, and wisdom.
By rooting your family’s wealth journey in biblical truth, you are not only preserving assets—you’re building a legacy of character, generosity, and godly stewardship.
Remember the words of Proverbs 3:9–10: “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing.” May your family's legacy not only be financially sound but spiritually rich—for generations to come.