Faith & Finance - Passing Wisdom Before Wealth with Dr. Kelly Rush

What will you leave to the next generation—and will they be prepared to steward it well?A faithful wealth transfer involves more than deciding who gets what. It means thinking carefully about the people who will receive those resources and whether they have the wisdom, maturity, and spiritual foundation to handle them faithfully.Dr. Kelly Rush, Professor of Finance, Financial Planning Program Coordinator, and Chair of Business and Technology at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, points to David and Solomon as a compelling biblical example. Rush, who also serves on the board of Kingdom Advisors, says David did more than accumulate resources for his son. He prepared Solomon for both great wealth and great responsibility.David knew Solomon would eventually build the temple in Jerusalem. So before transferring tremendous resources, David helped prepare his son for the work ahead.His example offers families four important principles for thinking about wealth transfer today.1. Pursue Unity Before Making a PlanThe first principle is unity: husbands and wives should agree on their plans for transferring wealth.We see this in 1 Kings 1. As David neared the end of his life, his son Adonijah attempted to establish himself as king. Bathsheba approached David and reminded him of the commitment concerning Solomon. David acted, and Solomon was publicly established as his successor.For families today, the circumstances are obviously very different, but the underlying principle remains valuable. Parents should work toward a shared vision for what they hope their wealth will accomplish and how it will eventually be distributed.That unity can clarify the plan for the entire family. Children and other heirs are less likely to receive conflicting messages when parents have already worked through difficult questions together.Before asking, “How much should we leave?” couples may need to begin with a more fundamental question: “Are we united about what we hope this wealth will accomplish?”2. Transfer Wisdom Before WealthAssets will eventually change hands. The larger question is whether wisdom will accompany them.David understood that Solomon needed more than resources. He needed spiritual and practical preparation.David prayed that God would give Solomon wisdom and understanding, and he personally instructed his son to know the Lord and serve Him wholeheartedly. He also gave Solomon detailed plans for the temple and prepared him for the responsibilities he would inherit.In other words, David did not simply leave Solomon a fortune and expect him to figure things out.Parents today have a similar opportunity. Children and grandchildren can be taught biblical principles of stewardship alongside practical financial skills such as budgeting, saving, giving, investing, and making wise decisions.The goal is not merely to prepare assets for heirs. It is to prepare heirs for assets.That preparation may begin long before an inheritance is in view. Younger children can learn to manage small amounts of money and decide how to give. Teenagers can take on greater financial responsibilities. Adult children can increasingly participate in conversations about family resources, generosity, and long-term plans.Wealth without wisdom can create significant challenges. But when wisdom comes first, financial resources can become another tool the next generation is prepared to steward faithfully.3. Consider Readiness, Not Just AgeDavid recognized something important about Solomon: he was “young and inexperienced” (1 Chronicles 22:5).So David prepared him gradually. He imparted wisdom. He supplied practical plans and instructions. Eventually, Solomon received the resources he