Robert E. Alderman, Jr. • Biblical Counselor • Mediator • Attorney 63153 E. Flower Ridge Dr., SaddleBrooke, Arizona 85739-1079 (800) 953-4252 • (520) 818-1067 • Fax (520) 818-1278 Estate Planning Scriptures by Robert Alderman, Jr. The Bible is a source of tremendous direction and wisdom - even for those who do not believe in Jesus. In fact, it is the most quoted book in the world! It was for that reason, when I first became an attorney, that I began reading the Bible and also attended a two year course on the Old and New Testaments offered through the Bethel Bible Series. I wanted to make sure I was familiar with the best selling book in all of history; because I was sure I was going to need it sometime in my practice. What developed were two results I did not expect and had not set out to accomplish. The first, as described briefly in my personal testimony, is I came to accept Christ as my Lord and Savior. The second is that I changed the foundation of my law practice from litigation to one of loving trust estate planning - based on what the Bible teaches about this subject. There are, in fact, twice as many scriptures in the Bible dealing with finances, estate management and relationships as there are verses pertaining to salvation and heaven or hell. The point is, we all have certain responsibilities in the management and stewardship of the blessings we have received, whatever they may be, in the form of our families and our possessions. Some of the Bible verses that have given me guidance and understanding of the why, when and how of the estate planning process - based on wise financial principles built on a foundation of love and personal obligations - are set out in the balance of this article. Perhaps they will be a source of insight and encouragement to you as they have been for me. 1. Scriptures are useful for teaching, training and rebuking. 2 Tim. 3:16 2. Our planning should not be focused on financial possessions. Luke 12:15 3. We are required to provide first and foremost for our families. 1 Tim. 5:8 4. Action and deeds are necessary; don’t procrastinate. Jms. 2:16-18 5. Any size estate requires good stewardship. Matt. 25:14-30 6. To whom much has been given, much more is expected. Luke. 12:48 7. Wills do nothing for people while they’re living. Heb. 9:16-17 8. We should listen to God’s teaching and act accordingly. Matt. 7:24-27 9. It’s very important that we put our lives in order. Isa. 38:1 10. Any ‘ol bush will do, if it’s filled with God’s fire. Ex. 3:2 11. Pursue your planning with the help of professional advisors. Prov. 15:22 12. We should heed warnings and plan accordingly. Prov. 27:12 13. Honor the Lord with all your blessings. Prov. 3:9 14. Leave your inheritance for your children and grandchildren. Prov. 13:22 15. Don’t be foolish, but seek knowledge to steer a straight course. Prov. 15:21 16. Though success lies with God, we must make ready and prepare. Prov. 21:31 17. There is more to planning than just taxes. Matt. 22:21 18. Beware of false prophets and don’t be deceived. Matt. 24:4 & 11 19. You can recognize false prophets by the bad quality of their products. Matt. 7:15-20 20. When your life has ended, who will get what you have prepared? Luke. 12:20 21. It’s good to be watchful, prepared and ready. Luke. 12:37-38 22. You must show trustworthiness with your worldly possessions. Luke. 16:10 23. Live so that it might be seen that what you have done has been done through God. John. 3:21 24. Hold to the teachings of Christ to be His disciple. John. 8:31 25. Men will know where you stand by the love that you display. John 13:35 26. Speak and act in boldness in the name of Christ. Acts 4:9 27. It is not those who hear God’s word who are righteous, but those who live it. Rom. 2:13 28. Anything done without love is empty. 1 Cor. 13 29. Do not go through life aimlessly, but plan and prepare. 1 Cor. 9:24-26 30. All are given different gifts to use in glory to God. Eph. 4:11 31. True knowledge is more than just information; it’s also what you do and the choices you make. Prov. 1:7 32. Houses and wealth are inherited from parents. Prov. 19:14 33. Apply your heart to instructions and your ears to words of knowledge. Prov. 23:12 34. Houses are built by wisdom and understanding and with knowledge, its rooms are filled with treasures. Prov. 24:3 35. I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw. Prov. 24:32 36. Do not trust in yourself, but walk in wisdom to be safe. Prov. 28:26 37. Let your light shine before man so that they may see your deed in glory to God. Matt. 5:16 38. As in the days of Noah, people were eating and drinking and knew not what was going to happen until the flood came and took them away. Matt. 24:36 39. A trustee is like the Holy Spirit, left to provide guidance and comfort. John. 14:15-18 40. Be on your guard, stand firm in faith; do everything in love. 1 Cor. 16:13-14 Return to Top of Page