Biblical Answer

Is it selfish to want to leave my family some inheritance after I'm gone?

The question of whether it is selfish to want to leave an inheritance to one's family is complex and multifaceted. On one hand, leaving a legacy can be a way to show love and care for one's family, providing for their financial security and well-being. As Proverbs 13:22 says, "A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children." This text is not just about material wealth, but also about the values and principles that are passed down from generation to generation.

However, the Bible also warns against the dangers of selfishness and the importance of living a life that is not centered on material possessions. In Matthew 6:19-20, Jesus says, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." This passage suggests that our focus should be on building a legacy that will last eternally, rather than one that is based on material wealth. Ultimately, whether it is selfish to want to leave an inheritance depends on the motivations and values that drive our actions.

It is also worth considering the impact that an inheritance can have on our children and their relationships with one another. As the passage from Proverbs 8:1-36 suggests, the inheritance we leave behind can be a source of blessing or a source of burden. If we are not careful, our desire to leave a legacy can lead to an unhealthy focus on material possessions and a lack of emphasis on the values and principles that truly matter. By prioritizing our relationship with God and living a life that is centered on His values, we can leave a legacy that is truly meaningful and lasting. As the passage from 1 Chronicles 29:14 says, "Everything we have comes from you, and we give you only what we received from you." By recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God, we can approach the question of inheritance with a sense of gratitude and humility, rather than selfishness.