Is It Wrong To See Poor People On The Street And Not Give Them Any Money?
Answer: No. God doesn’t expect you to give money to everyone who asks.
If you did, you would soon run out of money entirely. But it would also be wrong to never give anybody anything.
There are many poor people who desperately need money, food, and clothes.
It is good that you feel compassion for them and want to give. But you can help them in many ways besides just giving money.
You can also give to food pantries, support international organizations that serve in very poor countries, or give clothing and other good used things to places in your community that help the poor.
Not everyone who asks for money really needs your help. Some pretend to be poor to get money.
Some are lazy and beg instead of going to work. You have to use good judgment.
Your parents can help you know when to give, and you can pray for wisdom.
It is best to give to people you know and whose needs you know to be real.
Key verses: If there are any poor people in your towns when you arrive in the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tightfisted toward them. Instead, be generous and lend them whatever they need. (Deuteronomy 15:7-8)
Related verses: Leviticus 25:35-38; Deuteronomy 15:7-11; Proverbs 11:24; 14:20-21; 21:13; 22:9; 28:27; 31:8-9; Luke 6:38; 10:25-37; 12:33-34; Acts 20:33-35
Related questions: When we give money to poor people, how do we know if they will use it for clothes or food? Should you give money to poor people if they spend it on drugs?
Where Does All The Money From Fountains And Wishing Wells Go?
Answer: Some people think that if they wish for something when they throw a coin into a fountain or a wishing well, they’ll get their wish.
That’s just not true. It’s superstition. Fountains and magic don’t control anything-God does.
The good news is that many people who have fountains and wishing wells on their property collect the money and give it to charities.
That’s a good way to use the money. It’s fun to throw change into a fountain or a wishing well. But if you do, don’t bother to make a wish.
Instead, pray for the people who will benefit from the money.
Key verse: Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord. (Psalm 32:10)
Related verses: Psalm 4:5; 37:3; 125:1; 131:3; Isaiah 26:4
Related questions: Is it wrong to throw money down a well and wish? What do the malls and parks do with the money from the public money fountains?
Note to parents: If you allow your children to throw money into fountains, remind them that it’s just a game.
Don’t propagate the superstition that their wish will get some power from their throwing money into the water. God is Lord of all (Psalm 33:18-19).
What Is The Reason For Learning To Save Money?
Answer: It is important to save money because you will need the money in the future for things that you don’t need now.
For example, you may want to buy something that costs a lot, you may want to buy a special gift for a friend, you may have an emergency and need money quickly, or you may want to go to college.
People who don’t save for these things have to borrow money to pay for them.
But then they have to pay back the loan plus interest. It’s better to save up for what you will need so that when you need the money it’s there.
Key verses: Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and be wise!
Even though they have no prince, governor, or ruler to make them work, they labor hard all summer, gathering food for the winter. (Proverbs 6:6-8)
Related verses: Genesis 41:35-36; Proverbs 10:5; 13:11; 14:4; 20:4; 22:3; 1 Timothy 5:8
Related question: What if I don’t have enough money to support myself when I’m older?
Note to parents: Help your kids divide the money they get into three parts: some to give to the Lord, some for savings, and some to spend.
(One possible plan would be 10 percent giving, 40 percent saving, and 50 percent spending.)
This way they are not frustrated by saving because they have some immediate spending money.
Then help them set a short-term goal for saving. Make sure it’s something they really want. T
his will help them begin to realize the power to purchase the things they want because they have saved for them.