Here’s the good news: like so many other topics in this world, your kids are going to learn most of how they view and handle money from you. Now, here’s the potentially bad news: your kids are going to learn most of how they view and handle money from you. We will all teach our children from both a positively and a negative viewpoint, directly and indirectly about so many things, including finances and budgets. When we speak truths to our kids such as, “It’s all God’s money. We want to work to be good stewards of what He gives us,” that offers our kids a spiritual worldview of money. When we open a bill and say out loud, “We never have enough. I can’t ever get ahead from being so far behind,” we are also giving our kids a spiritual worldview of a different kind.

So, with that perspective in mind, let’s receive some encouragement for our own financial filter.

A sterling reputation is better than striking it rich; a gracious spirit is better than money in the bank. The rich and the poor shake hands as equals—God made them both! A prudent person sees trouble coming and ducks; a simpleton walks in blindly and is clobbered. The payoff for meekness and Fear-of-God is plenty and honor and a satisfying life. The perverse travel a dangerous road, potholed and mud-slick; if you know what’s good for you, stay clear of it. Point your kids in the right direction—when they’re old they won’t be lost. The poor are always ruled over by the rich, so don’t borrow and put yourself under their power. … Generous hands are blessed hands because they give bread to the poor. (Proverbs 22:1-7, 9 MSG)

Working to offer ourselves and our kids a great reputation has nothing to do with the amount of money we have. A satisfying life can have nothing to do with money. Wisdom and common sense don’t increase because of a raise in wages. Generosity is not driven by our account balance. The right direction in life for your kids will never be determined by how much money you have—or don’t have.

Think for a moment about what you voice about money to your kids.

If you never have any more resources than you do right now, what might need to change in how you are shaping their worldview of God’s blessings?

Listen once again to a few of today’s verses:

A sterling reputation is better than striking it rich; … a gracious spirit is better than money in the bank. … The payoff for meekness and Fear-of-God is plenty and honor and a satisfying life. … Point your kids in the right direction—when they’re old they won’t be lost. … Generous hands are blessed hands because they give bread to the poor. (Proverbs 22:1, 4, 6, 9 MSG)

Today, no matter how you speak of money to your children, ask God to teach you for you to teach them. That will always be the best, right choice for your family.

Let’s pray together: “Father, regardless of our bank balance each month, I don’t want to teach a spirit of poverty or scarcity or ungratefulness to my children—Your children. Help me to see my money and blessings through Your eyes and teach my kids about You through everything in our lives. As above, so below.”

Today, we continue our encouragement of teaching our kids about the connection between God and our money, our faith and finances.

I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.  I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. (Proverbs 34:1-10 NIV)

His praise will be on our lips, when? When there’s more money than bills? No. At all times, always. God can deliver from some of our fears? No, all of them. When are our faces covered in shame? When we decide we can be forgiven? No. Never. God saved the poor man from how much of his trouble? All of them.

Do you detect a theme, a pattern in those verses? God does not do anything halfway or partially. He is all or none. And He needs nothing from us except obedience … agreement … faith. He does it all, we simply agree for Him to do the work.

The first part of today’s passage is first person. Let’s make the rest personal as a prayer as we read the passage again.

I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.  I will glory in the Lord; when I am afflicted, let me hear and rejoice. I glorify the Lord; I will exalt his name. I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. I look to him and am radiant; my face is never covered with shame. Being poor, I called, and the Lord heard me; he saved me out of all my troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around me as I fear him, and he delivers me. I taste and see that the Lord is good; I am blessed because I take refuge in him. I fear the Lord, as one of his holy people, and because I fear him, I lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but because I seek the Lord, I will lack no good thing. (Proverbs 34:1-10 NIV, adapted)

Money is as much or more about our attitude than our aptitude of it. Consider reading this passage to your kids. Talk about the truths contained here. Make a list of the “good things” in your life that have nothing to do with money and everything about what God has blessed you with.

Let’s pray together: “Father, help me to praise you at all times. Remind me that You can deliver from all fears. Teach me to look to You for refuge. Help me to teach my children that we lack no good thing in You. As above, so below.”

Today, we continue with our encouragement of how we communicate God’s blessings to our kids through the filter of our finances.

(Deuteronomy 4:9-10 NIV)

Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. Remember the day you stood before the Lord your God at Horeb, when he said to me, “Assemble the people before me to hear my words so that they may learn to revere me as long as they live in the land and may teach them to their children.”

Throughout the Old Testament, God told His people to talk to their children about Him and what He has done. The only practical purpose that might serve is for the children to choose for themselves to follow Him too as they come of age. It also shows us how much God values children and their choices for Him.

Have you ever thought about keeping a sort of diary with your kids to write down prayers you have prayed together that God has answered? Or to record things you and your kids have experienced of Him and seen Him do for you? What an incredible legacy to pass down to the next generation—a personal record of God’s work in your family. Your family’s finances would most certainly be reflected in many of those prayers and answers.

As we have done many times already, let’s take today’s passage and personalize the words:

Help me to be careful, and watch myself closely so that our family does not forget the things our eyes have seen or let them fade from our hearts as long as I live. I want to teach them to my children and for them to be taught to their children after them. I want to remember the days I stood before the Lord our God in my home, when he said to me, “Assemble your family before me to hear my words so that they may learn to revere me as long as they live in the land and may teach them to their children.” (Deuteronomy 4:9-10 NIV, adapted)

May we teach our children the ways of God, how He provides, how He answers, and how He blesses.

Let’s pray: “Father, help me to stay current with my kids about You and Your work in our lives. Don’t let me forget and become complacent. I want my kids to follow You even more than I have and for each generation to grow and serve You more. As above, so below.”

As we begin Day 4 of our look at money and finances through the lens of teaching our children, again, we repeat that our mindset and perspective is critical to what we teach our kids about money. Isaiah 55 is a great passage to communicate that the things of God are available in abundance for free every day of our lives, regardless of circumstances; we need only to be obedient to Him to receive.

“Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink—even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk—it’s all free! Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food. “Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life.” (Isaiah 55:1-3 NLT)

Isn’t it amazing how much so many of the things we long for, wish for, hope for, have a price tag? Often a price tag out of our reach? How often do you consider the things that God offers for your character and walk with Him do not cost anything and you can have them as soon as you allow Him in to begin?

In your financial budget, do you allow for what God might want to do in and through your finances? Do you invite Him into your bill paying sessions? When you check your balances? When you get paid? How might that discipline change your perspective in not doing anything financial without including Him?

As you think on these questions for today, listen intently to Isaiah 55:1-3 again:

“Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink—even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk—it’s all free! Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food. “Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life.” (NLT)

Listen and receive that last line once more: “Come to me with your ears wide open. … Listen, and you will find life.”

Pray with me: “Father, I seem to stay thirsty, so to speak, and, too often, I feel like I have no money. Help me to stay away from the junk food the world constantly tempts me with and help me to seek You and what is good for me, the place where you serve the finest food. I want to come to You with my ears wide open. I want to listen and find Your life. As above, so below.”

For our final day this week, we’ll focus on several verses that can encourage you and also are great to share with your kids. One of the best ways to teach them biblical principles such as stewardship, generosity, faithfulness, and blessing is through reading, repeating, meditating on, and memorizing Scripture together.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)

Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” (Luke 6:38 NLT)

Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:7-9 NLT)

Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. (Psalm 37:3-4 NLT)

God knows how important your finances are to you and the life of your family. He knows what you need even before you need it. He wants to take care of you and your kids. The more you surrender to Him, the more your kids will learn the same. The more they see you obey God’s Word in faithfulness, the more they will learn His ways. Showing them first-hand how to rely on the Lord and place your lives into His hands will set them up for success in life, regardless of money now or money to come.

For the Christ-follower, everything in life is spiritual. We hope this week you have decided to view your finances through God’s will, from God’s hand.

Let’s pray: “Heavenly Father, a dollar bill is just a physical resource, but what we do and how we handle our finances is such an important part of our spiritual life. Teach me to teach my kids Your ways, Your will, and Your Word. As above, so below.”

This week, as we seek encouragement on stretching our budget, we’re going to go to the Book of Proverbs. With King Solomon being the richest and wisest man in the known world at that time, he is a great source of encouragement for us to find principles to adopt for our modern day money management.

So, let’s start at the beginning—Proverbs 1:

These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel. Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young. Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles. Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. (1-7 NLT)

Wisdom and discipline seem to always go hand-in-hand, don’t they? You rarely find one without the other. And then Solomon connects discipline to success with success connected to “what is right, just, and fair.”

How do you define success in your own life? What makes you successful or who determines when you are successful? That is a very important question to answer on a personal level when it comes to finances and money management. Why? Because the world not only offers a constant picture of what success is in all forms of media.

The great news if we believe God’s Word is that He alone truly determines if we are a success by His mercy and grace. And His standards and definitions never change. Because the fear—or awe and respect—of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge.

Listen once again with those thoughts in mind:

These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel. Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young. Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles. Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. (1-7 NLT)

I want to encourage you today to find your meaning of success in Christ and allow the truth of Proverbs to guide your path to discipline and wisdom.

Let’s pray: “Father, I know if I gain Your wisdom, I will handle not only my money but my life correctly and successfully. Help me to not be distracted by the world’s standards and definitions, but every day to look only to You for my identity. As above, so below.”

Today, we continue looking at the Book of Proverbs to seek God’s wisdom for our finances and lifestyle.

My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures.  Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. (Proverbs 2:1-8 NLT)

As we look around in our culture today, it’s getting harder and harder to find those who truly treasure God’s commands, those who seek them like hidden treasures. But here’s the great news—you can. Whether you have for many years or you are listening to these words because you are ready to begin, God’s Word is ready to guide and instruct you as only a good Father can.

Let me ask you … do you want to gain the knowledge of God? Would you like a treasure of common sense and to have your integrity be like a shield to protect your life? For your path to be guarded and your life protected?

Let’s take Solomon’s words and personalize them to be our prayer:

I listen to what You say, and treasure Your commands. I tune my ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. I cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. I search for them as I would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures.  Then I will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and I will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants me wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to me as I am honest. He is a shield to me as I walk with integrity. He guards my path to be just and protects me as I am faithful to him. (Proverbs 2:1-8 NLT)

When we begin to see God as the Treasure of life and not look to the wealth of the world, then everything, including our finances will fall into perspective and priorities will stand to bring us true success—God’s way and will in our lives.

Let’s pray together: “Father, guide me to align my life priorities with You and Your ways and Your will. Take my life, my bank account, all I have and don’t have, all I want and all I need and help me to seek You as my Treasure to find contentment and satisfaction in my life. As above, so below.”

(Proverbs 3:1-12 NLT)

My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones. Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine. My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.

Did a particular verse, phrase, or promise stick out to you? Never ignore when that happens as God can certainly be speaking to you.

Our finances and money management will always be a reflection and an indicator of biblical qualities such as favor with God and man and a good reputation. Even the world places a numerical value on our handling of money with a credit score. Regardless of what yours may be today, honoring God and giving Him the best part of everything we produce will lead us to the right places in life and finances. Maybe you are in a season of great blessing right now or maybe you are in a time of great need. The seasons of our lives will change but God can be God through them all.

Listen once more, but be sure you catch the first two words of how God addresses you:

My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones. Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine. My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights. (Proverbs 3:1-12 NLT)

Let’s pray: “Father, I desire Your loyalty and kindness in my life. I seek a good reputation. I want to stay with You and away from evil in all things. Help me to honor You with all You give me and to always offer You my very best in everything I produce and gain. As above, so below.”

As we look at money management through the lens of King Solomon, you have already figured out that the Bible has no verses such as, “Thou shalt not spend money on a new TV” or “Put your money in the stock market for seven years and you shall reap a great harvest.” But grasping a biblical worldview and a correct perspective of God’s wisdom that is available to us is a game changer for how we handle our money and all our resources. God teaches us principles to live by that have worked for generations. If these were good enough for Solomon, they are good enough for us. Today, we move on to Proverbs chapter 4.

“Take my words to heart. Follow my commands, and you will live. Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don’t forget my words or turn away from them. Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honor you. She will place a lovely wreath on your head; she will present you with a beautiful crown.” My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life. and lead you in straight paths. When you walk, you won’t be held back; when you run, you won’t stumble. Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life. (Proverbs 4:4-13 NLT)

The promises we are offered in this passage are so powerful. But what is always the one prerequisite for them to be able to work in our lives? Adoption. Obedience. He says, “Take my words to heart. Follow my commands.” That is where success begins.

Don’t you want to lead a long, good life in a straight path? Aren’t you ready to walk and not be held back? Are you ready to run and not stumble? Know that is exactly what God wants to do in your life right now. But again, this starts with agreeing to follow Him and His ways and His will.

Rather than reading the passage again, I’m just going to list the key words. Meditate on these with me. Take them in like clean, mountain air. Let them go deep into your spirit and revive and restore you. Believe these to be true for you.

“Wisdom. Good judgment. Protection. A guard. Greatness. Honor. A long, good life on straight paths. You won’t be held back. You won’t stumble. The keys to life. She will place a lovely wreath on your head; she will present you with a beautiful crown. (from Proverbs 4:4-13 NLT)

God wants to bring these good things of His into your life.

Pray with me: “Father, I ask You for wisdom, for good judgment, for protection, to experience Your greatness and honor. I commit my steps to You so I won’t be held back and I won’t stumble.  As above, so below.”

For our final day this week, we jump forward to Proverbs chapter 8. Our prayer and hope is that you will continue on in your reading of Proverbs. With 31 chapters, it makes for great daily reading in a month. Learning to consistently ask God for wisdom and discernment will revolutionize your life over years and literally change your future as He answers you.

Listen as Wisdom calls out! Hear as understanding raises her voice! On the hilltop along the road, she takes her stand at the crossroads. By the gates at the entrance to the town, on the road leading in, she cries aloud, “I call to you, to all of you! I raise my voice to all people. … Listen to me! For I have important things to tell you. Everything I say is right, for I speak the truth and detest every kind of deception. My advice is wholesome. There is nothing devious or crooked in it. My words are plain to anyone with understanding, clear to those with knowledge. Choose my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold. For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. Nothing you desire can compare with it. “I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment. I know where to discover knowledge and discernment. … “I love all who love me. Those who search will surely find me. I have riches and honor, as well as enduring wealth and justice. My gifts are better than gold, even the purest gold, my wages better than sterling silver! I walk in righteousness, in paths of justice. Those who love me inherit wealth. I will fill their treasuries. (Proverbs 8:1-4, 6-12, 17-21 NLT)

What is the one overarching principle you have gained and understood this week regarding your life and specifically finances as you have listened to Solomon’s Proverbs and God’s Word? I want to encourage you to take a few minutes and write down any profound truths you have received this week. Retention and application are necessary for gaining wisdom.

God does not promise any of us that we will become rich in wealth, but He does promise us His riches. And those are never temporary, but eternal.

Listen again as we close with verses 17-21:

Those who search will surely find me. I have riches and honor, as well as enduring wealth and justice. My gifts are better than gold, even the purest gold, my wages better than sterling silver! I walk in righteousness, in paths of justice. Those who love me inherit wealth. I will fill their treasuries.

Pray with me: “Heavenly Father, I want to change my worldview to Yours. I want to see life, money, lifestyle, and priorities as You want me to. With You in my life every day, I know I will be exactly where I need to be with all that I need. As above, so below.”