Would It Be Right To Keep The Money If Someone Paid Too Much?
Answer: No. Suppose you sold something to a friend, and the friend paid you too much by mistake. You should give back the extra money. That’s just being honest and fair.
And isn’t that the way you would want to be treated? You should be truthful and honest with people-just the way you want them to be truthful and honest with you.
Also, you shouldn’t cheat people by charging them too much for something. God told his people not to take advantage of each other, and he had harsh words for people who broke this rule.
Some people say, “If the person doesn’t notice, then it’s his own fault.” But that’s not God’s way. God wants us to look out for each other. If we are dishonest or mean, people soon find out and then they don’t want to be with us or do business with us. Doing things God’s way is always best.
Key verse: A person who gets ahead by oppressing the poor or by showering gifts on the rich will end in poverty. (Proverbs 22:16)
Related verses: Genesis 44:8; 2 Kings 5:20-27; Proverbs 10:2; 11:26; Jeremiah 17:11; Malachi 3:5; James 5:1-6
Related question: What if your boss gave you your check and he put too much money on it?
Note to parents: Encourage your children to be honest by demonstrating honesty in your own dealings with other people.
What Should A Person Do If The Bank Machine Doesn’t Give The Right Amount Of Money?
Answer: If you ever get too much money from a bank machine, you should take it to the bank and explain to a teller what happened. If the machine is not near a bank, you should call the bank that owns the machine and tell them what happened. Try to give the money to whomever it belongs.
The same goes for other machines that handle money. If a pop or candy machine gives you an extra quarter, you should return the money to the people who own the machine.
Machines do make mistakes, and we should try to make sure no one gets cheated as a result. God’s rewards for honesty will always be greater than the money you could get from being greedy or dishonest.
Key verse: No accounting was required from the construction supervisors, because they were honest and faithful workers. (2 Kings 12:15)
Related verses: Genesis 44:8; Proverbs 16:11; Jeremiah 17:11
Related question: Why don’t some salespeople tell the truth instead of lying?
Note to parents: Whenever you get someone else’s money by mistake, try to return it to its rightful owner. Going back to a store to return extra change or to return extra money from a vending machine can make a lasting impression on a child.
What If The Waiter Gives Me A Kid’s Meal Free Because He Thinks I’m Younger Than I Really Am?
Answer: It is important to do what is right even if it costs you money. So if you get a children’s price for a meal or a ticket and you are older than a “child,” you should tell the truth.
Tell the waiter, waitress, ticket seller, or whoever is in charge how old you really are. You can’t put a price on honesty.
Remember that God is looking after you. He will meet all your needs and take good care of you if you do things his way. God’s way is to be honest. It shows that you trust him.
Key verse: So put away all falsehood and “tell your neighbor the truth” because we belong to each other. (Ephesians 4:25)
Related verses: Genesis 43:20-21; 44:8; Proverbs 12:13, 17; Jeremiah 17:11
Related question: If people that lie and cheat know that they are going to lose customers later on, why do they still lie and cheat?