Bible Verses

Is Money One Of The Most Important Things In Life?

Answer: Money is both very important and not at all important. Money makes it possible for us to pay bills and buy food and other things we need.

Money also helps us support God’s work in the world.

We can use money to help feed hungry people, clothe poor people, and share the good news about Jesus with people all over the world. We need money to do these things.

Money is not the most important thing in life, however. The most important thing in life is our relationship with God.

Only God can forgive our sins, and only God can teach us how to live.

The people God has put in our lives are also much more important than money.

Money can’t buy you a new mom or dad, good friends, good health, or good neighbors. Money can’t buy you any of the things that matter most in life.

So put God at the top of your list. Then put your family and friends.

Then put everyone else God created. And then put money underneath all of those. Use money to serve people, not the other way around.

Key verses: Being wise is as good as being rich; in fact, it is better.

Wisdom or money can get you almost anything, but it’s important to know that only wisdom can save your life. (Ecclesiastes 7:11-12)

Related verses: Matthew 6:19-34; Luke 12:13-21; John 12:6

Related questions: Why do people try to get money? Why is money so important?

If Salvation Is Free, Why Do We Have To Buy A Bible?

Answer: We pay for Bibles because it costs money to produce them.

The publishers that publish them, the printers that print them, and the stores that sell them all need to be able to pay their workers.

God tells us to pay what we owe (Leviticus 19:13), and the price we pay for a Bible pays the workers’ wages.

The Bible is God’s Word. It’s reasonable to pay for something so important.

Salvation, on the other hand, comes from God and is free, but it has nothing to do with money.

God says that the penalty for sin is death. If you sin, you must die. That means that you will be separated from God forever.

God sent his only Son, Jesus, to die on the cross in our place. Because Jesus did not sin, he did not have to die.

But he chose to die in our place. If we ask God to forgive our sins and accept that Jesus died in our place, God will forgive us.

We will become his children. So salvation is free for us because we do not have to pay the penalty for our sins. Jesus paid it.

Key verses: For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. (Romans 10:9-10)

Related verses: Romans 3:23-26; 5:8; 6:23; 2 Corinthians 5:15.

Why Do Some Sales clerks Steal Money From The Cash Register?

Answer: The good news is that most sales clerks are honest and trustworthy. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have gotten their job in the first place. There aren’t many sales clerks who steal money from cash registers.

Salesclerks who do steal are greedy. When they see the money in the cash register, they can’t resist the temptation to steal.

They give in. People who do this may try to justify what they have done by thinking that it’s OK because they don’t get paid very much or that the store will never miss it.

But the truth is that the money is not theirs. If the boss finds out, they will lose their job.

These people don’t realize that they are hurting themselves. You get more problems from dishonest money than you do from no money at all.

Key verse: Slaves [or employees] must obey their masters [or bosses] and do their best to please them. They must not talk back or steal, but they must show themselves to be entirely trustworthy and good.

Then they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive in every way. (Titus 2:9-10)

Related verses: Leviticus 19:35; Proverbs 13:11; Jeremiah 17:11; Habakkuk 2:12

Related question: Why do some people steal things from their company?

Is It Ok To Use Canadian Coins In American Vending Machines?

Answer: Many vending machines have a sign that says “No foreign coins.” Money from other countries may get jammed in the machine. But even if the coins work, they may not be worth the same amount.

So putting foreign coins in the machine would cheat the owner of the machine. That would be wrong.

Do not look for ways to “save money” by being dishonest. Instead, be honest all the time and trust God to take care of you. God owns everything.

He can help you with the extra few cents you think you would gain from cheating the vending machine.

Key verse: The Lord despises double standards of every kind. (Proverbs 20:10)

Related verses: Proverbs 13:11; Jeremiah 17:11; Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:14-16

Related question: Would people know it if you photocopied money and paid for things with it?

Is It Really Finders Keepers?

Answer: The old saying “Finders keepers, losers weepers!” is an excuse for making no effort to return something that belongs to someone else. People usually say this when they are the finders, not the losers.

If you find something valuable, make an effort to find the owner. If you were to find a bag full of money in a parking lot, you should take it to a police station. If you find a wallet, look for a name inside and let the owner come and get it from you.

If you find a ten-dollar bill in a classroom, take it to the teacher. If you find a basketball on the playground, take it to the principal. For some items, you may even want to put a note in the local paper.

On the other hand, don’t worry about finding the owner of a nickel that you find in the street. It’s not that valuable, and finding the owner would be practically impossible. You can keep it.

Key verse: Do for others as you would like them to do for you. (Luke 6:31)

Related verses: Genesis 44:8; Deuteronomy 6:1-5; Matthew 7:12; Acts 2:44-45

Related question: What if I found buried treasure?

If I Try To Pay My Friend Back And He Forgot I Borrowed Some Money, Is It Wrong To Keep It?

Answer: If you owe somebody money, you should pay that person back, even if he or she has forgotten about the debt. You should do what is right, even if no one else knows or cares.

God knows. Think about how you would feel if someone paid you back after you had forgotten. It would be a wonderful surprise, and you would think very highly of your friend.

This is the best kind of friend to have one who looks out for you and helps you, even when he or she doesn’t have to. If you are that kind of friend, you will have lots of loyal friends.

Remember, though, it’s best not to borrow money. Then you never have to worry about paying your friend back.

Key verse: Do not steal. Do not cheat one another. Do not lie. (Leviticus 19:11)

Related verses: Exodus 22:10-15; Leviticus 19:33- 34; 1 Kings 9:4-5; 2 Kings 12:15; Psalm 17:1; Jeremiah 17:11; Matthew 7:12; Luke 6:31; Acts 2:44-45; 1 Peter 2:17

Related question: What should you do if you can’t return the money you borrowed?

Why Do Some People Trust Me And Lend Me Money?

Answer: People usually lend money to those whom they trust. They have watched you and have come to believe in your honesty. They know you are honest because they have seen you (1) do what is right and (2) do what you say you will do.

It is good to be known as an honest person. If you do what is right and do what you say you will do, you will be known as an honest person.

Key verse: A false witness will be cut off, but an attentive witness will be allowed to speak. (Proverbs 21:28)

Related verses: Exodus 22:10-15; Proverbs 22:29; Ezekiel 18:16-17; Luke 16:11; 1 Timothy 3:11; 1 Peter 2:12, 16-17

Note to parents: Affirm any child for being honest. Honesty is a genuine treasure in its own right.

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?

Does God Get Angry When I Spend My Money Foolishly?

Answer: Does he rant and rave? No. But God does want us to be wise, and he’s sad when we are foolish. Think of it this way: God is your biggest fan. More than anyone else, he wants you to win.

That’s why he cares about how you take care of your money. If you keep wasting it and ignoring wise advice from everybody all the time, of course he will be sad, because things won’t go as well for you.

Key verse: And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he is the one who has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:30)

Related verses: Jeremiah 13:17; Joel 2:13

Related question: When you buy something that you don’t have enough for but it is for a Christian use, will God bless you for it and provide?

Note to parents: Don’t use fear of angering God as a tool for getting your child to behave. Emphasize God’s care for your child, not his punishment.

Meanwhile, demonstrate what you mean by controlling your own anger when your child makes a foolish money decision. Give your child room for making mistakes without blowing your top.

How Do I Know What Is Wise To Spend My Money On?

Answer: The Bible explains that it is important to give to the church and to help people in need, to pay bills that you promised to pay, and to buy things that you need. It is always wise to spend money that way.

It is also wise to use your money for the most important things first and the least important things last. Here they are in order: (1) Giving to the church. (2) Paying for commitments you made. (3) Taking care of your needs. (4) Saving. (5) Spending for things you would like.

If you want to spend money on something you would like, make sure you have done the other four things first.

It is also wise to get a good deal. Never buy something just because it looks good, just because you saw it advertised on TV, or just because your friends have it. Buy things that are good quality and have a reasonable price.

Whenever you want to buy something, ask, Do I really need it? If you’re unsure, ask God for wisdom, and wait awhile before deciding. Ask your parents because God gives them wisdom too.

Key verse: If you need wisdom-if you want to know what God wants you to do-ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. (James 1:5)

Related verses: 1 Kings 12:6-8; Proverbs 1:8-9; 12:26; 13:20; 24:3-6; Galatians 5:16; James 3:17-18

Note to parents: You may need to explain the difference between necessities and luxuries. You may also want to go over a list of priorities you use for evaluating purchases: Is it something I need? Will it last? Have I shopped for the best price? Should I save the money instead and get something of better value later?

Why Do Some People Spend Every Cent They Get Right Away?

Answer: Some people spend all their money right away because they have no self-control. They have no discipline or patience. They can’t wait even though they should.

They don’t save money because they convince themselves that they have to buy things they don’t really need.

This is not good. God wants his people to be self- controlled so they will use well what he has given them. God also wants people to take care of each other. It would be wrong for parents to spend all their money on themselves and forget about the children or the house payment.

It would be wrong for Christians to spend all their money on themselves and neglect the church. It would be wrong for the boss to spend all the company’s money on himself and not pay the workers.

We need to control our spending, not let our spending control us.

Key verse: The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get. (Proverbs 21:20)

Related verses: Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 3:14; 12:20; Philippians 4:11-13; 1 Timothy 6:8; Hebrews 13:5; 1 John 2:16

Related question: Do more than 50 percent of people spend their money wisely?

Note to parents: If your children overspend, do not bail them out by giving or lending them more money. Let them learn the truth: overspending hurts.

Why Is It That When I Want To Buy Something I Am Always Short Of Cash?

Answer: If you want to buy something but don’t have enough money, you probably decided to buy it at the last minute, before you had time to save money for it.

It’s OK to buy small things that way as long as you have enough spending money. But if it costs more, you need to plan and save to buy it.

So you aren’t really short of cash; you just can’t buy everything right away. That’s why we need to learn to save.

Sometimes you save up for something, but it costs more than you thought it would. Check on the price of what you want to buy before you go to the store.

That way you will know whether you have enough money. Remember also that you have to pay tax on just about everything. You have to add tax to the price before you can buy it.

Key verse: Wise people think before they act; fools don’t and even brag about it! (Proverbs 13:16)

Related verse: Luke 14:28

Related questions: Why do things cost so much money? What if you buy lots of things and run out of money?

 Note to parents: If your child really wants something but doesn’t have enough spending money, resist the temptation to make up the difference or loan the money. Help your child wait until he or she has saved the money. Children need to learn to plan their purchases and stay on budget.

What Is Budgeting?

Answer: A budget is a plan for how to use your money. If you knew you would be receiving $10, for example, you might decide ahead of time to put aside $1 for church and $2 in your savings account in the bank.

You might also decide to put $4 in your jar to use in two weeks for a church camping trip. The final $3 you might decide to carry with you to spend on snacks.

That plan would be your budget. It’s a good idea to write down your budget so you always know how to divide your money. Start with at least three categories: tithe, savings, and spending money.

Then you can add others as your needs change. You could include one, like in the example above, for an upcoming church camping trip.

A budget is also a good way of tracking your spending. After you have spent the money, you can compare what you did to how you planned to spend it. That helps you plan better in the future.

Key verse: A prudent person foresees the danger ahead and takes precautions; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. (Proverbs 22:3)

Related verses: Proverbs 21:20; 22:3; 24:3

Related question: Why do people have so much money when they have to buy only a few things?

Note to parents: The best time for children to practice managing money is when they are young. And one of the best ways to give them practice is to give them an allowance. Help your child set up a budget that makes sense for him or her.

Why Do People Have To Budget Their Money?

Answer: People should budget their money so they will have enough for all the bills they must pay. Everyone has big bills that come due in the future. It is good to write them down as a reminder so you won’t be surprised when they come.

The budget tells you how much to set aside each week or month so that you will have the money to pay the bills when they come.

Every day brings opportunities to spend money- opportunities to buy something that you didn’t plan for. A budget helps you know whether or not you can afford it.

You don’t have to budget your money. You can just go and spend it. But if you do, you will probably run out of money too soon. Then you will not have enough for the things you need, and you will never get to spend your money on the things you really want. Everyone should have a plan for how to spend his or her money.

Key verse: The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get. (Proverbs 21:20)

Related verses: Proverbs 22:3; 23:19-21

Related questions: Why don’t they just make everything cheaper, and people would be rich and happy? Why don’t they just make dollars worth more?

Note to parents: To illustrate the need for budgeting, sit down one evening with your child and list all the things he or she would like to have.

Then write down what each item would cost, total them, and compare this with how much he or she has to spend over the next month. The only way to keep from running out of money is to look at this list and plan!

Why Can’t Parents Afford A Lot Of Things?

Answer: Parents can’t afford to spend money on certain things because they have chosen to spend their money on other things. All people have bills to pay with a limited amount of money.

And all people have to make choices about how they will spend that money. When your parents say they can’t afford to buy something you want, it’s probably because it is not in their budget, not because they don’t have any money.

That may sound unfair, but it’s really wise planning. People should say no to some things so they can have enough for the things they need and want most.

If the thing you need is really important, ask your parents nicely if they will include it in their budget as soon as they can. If it’s something you just want badly, put it into your budget. Then you can start earning money and saving for it.

Key verse: Those who love pleasure become poor; wine and luxury are not the way to riches. (Proverbs 21:17)

Related verses: Galatians 5:22-23; Philippians 4:12

Related question: I want a volleyball net and I know my parents have the money, but they just say it’s too much money. What should I do?

Note to parents: If your child is old enough, show him or her your budget. Explain that this is what you must spend money on and that this is why you sometimes say, “We can’t afford that”-it’s another way of saying, “We need the money for other things” (food, clothes, an upcoming vacation or birthday party, a home repair, savings for college, and so on).

What Should People Do If They Do Not Get Paid Enough At Their Job?

Answer: The first thing these people should do is ask God to provide for them. Then they can ask the boss for overtime, do some extra part-time work, or look for another job that pays better.

But it’s important to realize that many people think they do not get paid enough when they really do. Every month, their bills seem to grow, and they don’t know how they can pay everyone.

The real problem is that they spend too much. Even people who make a lot of money can have this problem. They need to budget their money and control their spending better.

Some people don’t make very much but still manage to pay all their bills. They have learned to budget their money and control their spending so they never spend more than they earn.

No matter how much you get paid, a lot depends on what you do with your money. You can often have enough if you budget your money and spend less than you earn.

Key verse: Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty! (Proverbs 14:23)

Related verses: Proverbs 6:6-11; Amos 4:1-3; Ephesians 6:7-8; Philippians 4:19; Colossians 3:23-24; 1 Timothy 5:8

Related question: If you got a job and you knew they weren’t paying you enough, what should you do?

Note to parents: Live within your means and help your children do the same. It’s the same principle with $5 as it is with $5,000.

Why Do Athletes Get Paid So Much Money To Do Something That’s Fun?

Answer: In this country, people enjoy professional sports so much that basketball, football, baseball, hockey, golf, and other sports have become big businesses.

Millions of people pay a lot of money for tickets to the games. Television networks pay millions of dollars for the right to show games. Sports fans spend countless dollars on shirts, caps, and other things. So sports stars ask for big salaries, and they usually get them.

But it’s not all fun. To be excellent in a sport takes years of hard work and training. Many professional athletes suffer many cuts, bruises, and broken bones.

It doesn’t seem right that athletes get paid so much for playing a game, especially when teachers and ministers do more important work and get paid much less. But life isn’t always fair. Often the world has things backward.

Key Verse: I have observed something else in this world of ours. The fastest runner doesn’t always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn’t always win the battle.

The wise are often poor, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy. And those who are educated don’t always lead successful lives. It is all decided by chance, by being at the right place at the right time. (Ecclesiastes 9:11)

Related verses: Exodus 20:17; Proverbs 22:29; Ecclesiastes 8:14; Luke 12:15

Related question: Is it fair that some people work hard and barely make it while others do almost nothing and live like kings?

Note to parents: Point out to your child that athletes got where they are by working hard. They practiced day after day for years before they became professionals, and they keep on practicing. They practice whether or not they feel like it.

How Will I Know What I Want To Do When I Grow Up?

Answer: It is good to think about what you want to do when you grow up. God has made you good at doing certain things. He has given you talents, interests, and abilities.

As you get older, you will learn more and more about your abilities. Your parents and other people who know you well will help you uncover and develop your talents.

But don’t wait for them to tell you what to do. Whenever you get interested in something or do well in something, keep working at it. Find out more about it. Ask questions about it.

Read books about it. Take an extra class. Ask God to guide you and keep learning.

God has a plan for your life. He created you and loves you. He knows exactly what you will be best at and enjoy most and where you fit in his plan. Keep asking God to direct you, and he will do it.

Key verse: If you need wisdom-if you want to know what God wants you to do-ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. (James 1:5)

Related verses: Psalm 139:16; Proverbs 3:5-6; Jeremiah 29:11; Ephesians 2:10

Related question: How will you know what job is right for you?

Note to parents: Avoid telling kids that they should pursue a certain career for the money or because of some ambition of your own. Children need to seek God and pursue his plan for their lives even if it does not follow in a parent’s footsteps or make up for a parent’s lost opportunity.

Where Does The Money That Bosses Pay Come From?

Answer: Every company sells something. Bosses get money from the people who buy a company’s products or services. The money that comes from these sales pays the workers-all of them, from the bosses to the people who work for the bosses.

It works like this: If you owned a field of pumpkins, you could sell the pumpkins for $10 each. So if you had 100 pumpkins, you would have $1,000 if you sold them all.

Out of that money, you would pay your workers the people who helped pick and sell the pumpkins. You would have to plan well in order to have enough money to be fair to your workers, to pay your other expenses, and to make a profit. That’s how companies work.

Key verse: At that time, Egyptian chariots delivered to Jerusalem could be purchased for 600 pieces of silver, and horses could be bought for 150 pieces of silver. Many of these were then resold to the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Aram. (1 Kings 10:29)

Related verses: Leviticus 19:13; Psalm 128:2; Proverbs 14:23; Matthew 20:1-16

Related question: Where does all the money go?

Note to parents: You can help your children start a small business of their own. Help them plan their costs, sale price, and profits.

Whether your children ever go into business for themselves or not, this will help them learn how a business works.

Should People Stay At A Good-Paying Job That They Don’t Like?

Answer: The minimum wage is the smallest amount that a business is allowed to pay a person for one hour of work. The government decides that amount. It’s a law.

When God gave the Law to the Israelites, he told them to pay their workers fairly. That’s what it means when it says, “Do not keep an ox from eating as it treads out the grain” (Deuteronomy 25:4). A good boss pays his or her workers fairly.

Key verse: For the Scripture says, “Do not keep an ox from eating as it treads out the grain.” And in another place, “Those who work deserve their pay!” (1 Timothy 5:18)

 Related verses: Leviticus 19:13; Deuteronomy 15:18; 24:14-15; Nehemiah 5:1-7; Proverbs 12:24; Matthew 20:1-16; 1 Corinthians 9:9-10

Related question: Why are kids paid minimum wage?

 Note to parents: When you are paying your children to do jobs, make sure you pay them fairly, in keeping with the jobs and their skill levels.

Paying them too much can give them unrealistic expectations that they will carry with them into the workforce. Paying them too little can discourage them.

Should People Stay At A Good-Paying Job That They Don’t Like?

Answer: Whether or not a person should stay in a yucky job depends on the person and the job. What matters most is doing what God wants. When you become an adult and have a family, God will want you to take care of them.

You will need to work so you can pay for food, clothes, housing, and other bills. You may have to stay in a job you don’t like so you can do this.

That doesn’t mean that you must have a job you don’t like. God loves you and has a plan for your life.

If you follow his guidance and do what he says, he will lead you to a good job and make you content. He doesn’t want you to be miserable.

No one has a job that he or she enjoys in every way, all the time. Every job is hard-and maybe even yucky!- sometimes. That is why it is important to learn to be content.

Pray now about your future job. Give your life to God’s service. Ask God to guide you in your education. Trust God to help you find work that suits how he made you.

Life on earth will never be perfect, and you may not always have a fun job. But if you do what God wants you to do, do your duty to your family, and be content with what you have, God will take care of you.

Key verse: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

 Related verses: Deuteronomy 30:9-10; Proverbs 6:6- 11; 14:23; Ecclesiastes 7:14

 Related question: If you take a job that pays lots of money, are you being greedy?

How Come I Don’t Get Enough Allowance To Buy Anything?

Answer: You can always buy something with the money you have, even if it’s very little. You may think you don’t have enough money to buy anything when you look at your allowance, but just because you can’t buy expensive things doesn’t mean you can’t buy anything.

Some people want to buy just about everything they see, so they never have enough money. Don’t be like that. Instead, learn to be content with what you have.

If there is something you want and your parents agree that you can have it, save your money until you have enough to buy it.

Be patient. You can also ask God for opportunities to earn extra money.

Key verse: I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have leared the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with planty or little. (Philippians 4:12)

Related verses: Proverbs 14:23; 22:29; Ecclesiastes 7:8; Luke 12:15; Galatians 5:22; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Hebrews 13:5; 1 John 2:15-17

Related questions: Why do I only get $3 a week? I cut the lawn, rake it, clean my room, and other stuff, so I should get more, shouldn’t I? Why is an allowance so little, like $2?

Note to parents: When your kids feel that they can’t buy the things they really want, teach them to ask God for the things they want and to save diligently.

It’s best not to increase allowances or buy them what they want all the time.

Why Do Kids Get Less Money Than Adults?

Answer: The more you can do, the more you can earn. Adults earn more than kids because they can do more.

They get paid for the skills they have learned. The older they get, the better they are at doing their work, and the more they get paid for it.

And the more skill their job takes, the more they get paid.

For example, repairing a car, being a doctor, keeping financial records, closing a sale, and writing a book are all difficult jobs.

They take a lot of skill. Only people who have been trained and have the experience can do them well. And those people are paid well for the work they do.

Also, many adult jobs carry great responsibility. A person who runs a store has to take care of all the workers, all the products in the store, and the building.

That’s a lot of responsibility. People are paid according to how much responsibility they have.

Be glad you don’t have to earn as much as an adult. Adults make more money than kids, but they also have many more bills and many more responsibilities.

As time goes on, you will learn how to do many jobs through skills, training, and experience. Eventually you will get to serve God in a job that uses your abilities.

Your responsibilities and your income will increase bit by bit as you continue to get more training and experience. Then you will be able to think about getting more money and things.

Key verse: Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than ordinary people. (Proverbs 22:29)

Related verses: Proverbs 14:23; Matthew 25:21; Luke 19:17

Related question: Why don’t kids have as much money as adults?

How Are Kids Supposed To Earn Money?

Answer: Kids can earn money by doing work for their parents and neighbors. Maybe you can clean up the yard, wash dishes, wash the car, or run errands.

Most adults like to pay kids for doing those kinds of jobs.

You can also start your own business. Make something that you can sell, or provide a service such as gardening, lawn care, or delivery.

Ask your parents and God for ideas and for good opportunities.

If you really want to earn money, do every job well and always do more than is expected of you. Think about what you’re doing, keep going until you’re done, and never complain.

Key Verses: Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ. (Colossians 3:23-24)

Related verses: Psalm 90:17; Proverbs 14:23; Philippians 2:14

Related questions: What job can I get now that I am ten? How old do you have to be to work for money?

Note to parents: Giving children small jobs to do is a good way to introduce them to work. Make a job list and post jobs that need to be done and how much you are willing to pay for each.

Let your children know they can pick jobs off the list once their regular chores are done. Give clear instructions, show the child what to do, and make sure he or she understands what you expect to find when it is done.

Don’t forget to give praise for a job well done.