Inheritance and family bonds are deeply significant in Scripture. Discover what the Bible says about the weight of disinheriting a child and the importance of legacy.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Comedy
What Does The Bible Say About Disinheriting A Child
Deuteronomy 21:17
But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated as the firstborn by giving him a double portion of all that he has, for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his.
This verse emphasizes the importance of recognizing and treating the firstborn son with fairness and honor, even if he is from a less favored wife. It discourages disinheriting a child based on personal preferences or biases, highlighting the principle of equality.
Proverbs 17:2
A wise servant will inherit honor, but a gullible son will inherit dishonor.
This verse suggests that inheritance should be based on merit and character rather than favoritism. In the context of disinheriting a child, it implies that a wise and deserving servant may receive honor and inheritance while a foolish and unreliable son may be disinherited.
Proverbs 19:26
He who mistreats his father and chases away his mother is a son who brings shame and disgrace.
In the context of disinheriting a child, this verse warns against mistreating or rejecting one’s parents, as it brings shame and disgrace. It implies that willful disobedience or neglect of parental authority can lead to negative consequences, including being disinherited.
Proverbs 20:21
An inheritance obtained hastily at the beginning will not be blessed at the end.
This verse cautions against hasty decisions regarding inheritance. In the case of disinheriting a child, it suggests that rushing to disown or withhold inheritance without careful consideration may lead to negative outcomes and lack of divine blessing.
Proverbs 30:11
There is a generation that curses its father, and does not bless its mother.
In the context of disinheriting a child, this verse highlights the importance of honoring and blessing parents. It implies that a generation that disregards and curses their parents may face consequences such as being disinherited or deprived of blessings.
Matthew 15:4
For God commanded, saying, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.’
This verse reaffirms the commandment to honor and respect one’s parents. It emphasizes the seriousness of disrespect or cursing towards parents, suggesting severe consequences for disobeying this commandment. Being disinherited might be one such consequence.
Mark 7:10
For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.’
Similar to the previous verse, this verse reiterates the commandment to honor parents, emphasizing the gravity of dishonoring or cursing them. It implies that disobeying this commandment may result in severe repercussions, such as disinheritance.
Ephesians 6:2-3
“Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”
This verse underscores the significance of honoring parents by reiterating the commandment found in the Old Testament. It also highlights the promise of blessings and longevity for those who obey this commandment. Disinheriting a child could be seen as a violation of this principle and may hinder the promised blessings.
Colossians 3:20
Children, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Lord.
This verse emphasizes the obedience of children towards their parents as an act of pleasing the Lord. It implies that disobeying parents, which could lead to disinheriting, goes against God’s desire for obedience and may result in displeasure in His eyes.
1 Timothy 5:8
But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
This verse speaks to the responsibility of providing for one’s family, including children. It suggests that neglecting this duty, such as disinheriting a child without valid reasons, is an act of denying the faith and indicates a lack of faithfulness worse than that of an unbeliever.
1 Timothy 5:16
If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows.
While this verse addresses the care of widows, it indirectly highlights the importance of family responsibility. In the context of disinheriting a child, it suggests that family members should support and care for each other, rather than burdening others, including the church, with their familial obligations.
Titus 3:1
Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work.
Although this verse primarily speaks about obedience to rulers and authorities, it indirectly reflects the value of obedience and submission in general. Disinheriting a child may indicate a lack of obedience and submission to the authority of parents, which contradicts the spirit of this verse.
1 Peter 4:8
Above all, love each other deeply because love covers over a multitude of sins.
In the context of family relationships, this verse encourages deep love and forgiveness. It implies that when conflicts or sins arise, love should prevail and cover these offenses. Disinheriting a child may indicate a lack of love and forgiveness, contrary to the spirit of this verse.
1 John 3:17
But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?
This verse speaks to the importance of compassion and generosity towards others, particularly those in need. In the context of disinheriting a child, it suggests that closing one’s heart towards a family member in need lacks the love of God, indicating a departure from His commands.
Proverbs 11:24-25
There is one who scatters, yet increases more; and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty. The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.
This verse highlights the principle of generosity and its reciprocal nature. It suggests that withholding more than is right, such as disinheriting a child unjustly, can lead to poverty. On the contrary, a generous soul who shares their blessings will be enriched and blessed in return.
Proverbs 28:27
He who gives to the poor will not lack, but he who hides his eyes will have many curses.
This verse emphasizes the blessings that come from giving to the poor and the negative consequences of turning a blind eye to those in need. In the context of disinheriting a child, it suggests that withholding support or inheritance from a family member may invite curses rather than blessings.
Matthew 10:8
Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.
While this verse primarily speaks about the ministry of Jesus’ disciples, it underscores the principle of freely giving what one has received. In the context of disinheriting a child, it implies that freely giving support, care, and inheritance aligns with the spirit of Christ and His teachings.
Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.
This verse speaks to the principle of generosity and the assurance of abundance when one gives. Applying this verse to disinheriting a child suggests that the measure of inheritance withheld or given will have implications for one’s own measure of blessings in life.
Acts 20:35
I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’
This verse emphasizes the importance of supporting and caring for the weak, embodying the teaching of Jesus that giving is more blessed than receiving. Disinheriting a child could be seen as disregarding this principle and the blessings that come with generosity and support.
2 Corinthians 9:6
But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
This verse draws an analogy between sowing seeds and acts of generosity. It suggests that withholding inheritance or support in an unjust or stingy manner corresponds to a meager harvest of blessings, while generosity leads to an abundant harvest.
2 Corinthians 9:7
So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
While this verse specifically addresses giving, it emphasizes the importance of a willing and cheerful heart. In the context of disinheriting a child, it suggests that acting out of compulsion or with a begrudging spirit negates the blessings and favor of God.
Galatians 6:7
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
This verse speaks to the principle of consequences for one’s actions. When it comes to disinheriting a child, it suggests that the act of withholding inheritance or support will have repercussions, as God sees and evaluates the intentions and actions of individuals.
James 2:13
For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
In the context of disinheriting a child, this verse highlights the importance of mercy and compassion. It suggests that judgment without mercy, such as withholding inheritance unjustly, may invite a similar lack of mercy in God’s judgment. Instead, demonstrating mercy is encouraged as it prevails over judgment.