Teaching our children about money matters is one of the most important lessons we can give them. It helps them develop not only practical money skills but also a heart aligned with God’s purpose. This study is designed to help you do just that. Each section begins with key scriptures to guide discussions about what the Bible says about money. Then, it moves into practical, everyday applications to help children put these principles into practice in their daily lives. These principles will prepare our children to manage their finances faithfully and honor the Lord in every aspect of their lives.

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Jump to:
*Be Diligent
*Plan & Prepare
*Focus
*Debt
*Help Others
*Trust God

Be Diligent

One of the most important traits to be learned is to be diligent. Diligent means “steady in application to business; constant in effort or exertion to accomplish what is undertaken” (Webster’s 1828 Dictionary). It seems many grown people today haven’t been taught this basic lesson. The opposite of being diligent is being lazy. Being lazy has consequences. The Bible says, He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich (Proverbs 10:4). Let’s teach our kids to be diligent in every thing they do.

Teach the Scripture:

• Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. Proverbs 27:23
• Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men. Proverbs 22:29
• Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase. Proverbs 13:11
• The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want. Proverbs 26:5
• But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. I Timothy 5:8

Practical Applications:

• Share personal experiences and show diligence in your own daily responsibilities. Kids are always watching.
• Give them their own responsibilities to accomplish varying in complexity according to age.
• Praise their efforts and offer constructive advice on how to do better.
• If needed, use visual tools to track progress. (planners, charts, graphs)
• Share Bible stories of people who worked hard like Noah and Nehemiah.

Plan & Prepare

If we want to have success in life (and want our kids to be successful), we must learn to plan and prepare. The most important event we can prepare for is the return of Jesus. In Matthew 25: 1-13, the parable explains how some virgins were wise and prepared, and some were foolish. The foolish virgins had no oil for their lamps, and they slept when they should be watching. The verses below talk about common sense preparation that is pleasing to the Lord.

Teach the Scripture:

• Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest. Proverbs 6:6-11
• Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches. Proverbs 24:3-4
• For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Luke 14:28-30
• Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. I Corinthians 16:2

Practical Application:

• Model planning and preparation in your daily life, such as organizing your schedule or preparing meals. Share how you plan for special events, tasks, or emergencies, and involve them when appropriate. Consider planting a garden and putting food back for the future. This is a great skill for kids to know.
• Start with Small Steps: teach them to prepare for the next day by laying out clothes, packing bags, or organizing materials for a project.
• Visual tools can help kids track upcoming events or activities. Try introducing them to planners or calendars, charts, and even timers for specific tasks.
• Explain how to distinguish between urgent and less urgent tasks using age-appropriate examples. Use simple phrases like, “Do the hard or important things first, then enjoy free time”
• Use scriptures to emphasize the importance of planning: the wise ant in Proverbs 6:6-8; planning a building in Luke 14:28

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Focus

Being wise in money matters, requires us to set our focus in the right place. We teach our kids to set goals in every aspect of the life. We give them allowance, and they can see their bank account rising. They designate a certain percent to the church, savings, and spending. It’s great to teach kids these things early in life. Set your spiritual focus on the things that are important and allow God to guide your life. Always give to the Lord/church first.

Teach the Scripture:

• For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. I Timothy 6:10-11
• Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. Proverbs 3:9-10
• No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Matthew 6:24 (mammon:  riches; wealth)
• He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity. Ecclesiases 5:10
• Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith. Proverbs 15:16-17
• See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5: 15-16

Practical Application:

• Set up a system with envelopes or jars: Give, Save, or Spend. Each time they receive money, help them divide it among these categories.
• Before spending their money, have kids create a list of things they want and prioritize them. Encourage them to wait at least a week before buying to see if the desire persists.
• When shopping, involve your kids by giving them a set amount to spend for specific items. For example, they can help shop for school supplies or groceries within a budget.
• Help them set a savings goal (e.g., a toy or outing) and track their progress visually with a chart or piggy bank. Celebrate when they reach their goal.
• When they want to buy something, compare the cost to something they already own or enjoy (e.g., “This toy costs the same as two movie tickets—what do you value more?”).

Debt

Debt is a significant challenge in our society today, often fueled by a culture of instant gratification and a desire for more. The temptation to borrow for things we want right now can lead to long-term financial struggles and a loss of peace. While we may have to borrow for necessary purposes, like a home or land, it’s crucial to approach debt with wisdom and discipline, keeping in mind biblical principles that warn us against becoming enslaved by financial obligations. Teaching children these lessons early can help them develop habits of patience, gratitude, and responsible money management.

Teach the Scripture:

• The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth. Psalm 27:21
• Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. Romans 13:7-8
• The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. Proverbs 22:7
• There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up. Proverbs 21:20

Practical Application:

• Provide your kids with an allowance but require them to manage it by saving, spending, and giving. If they run out of money, don’t bail them out; let them learn to wait until the next allowance.
• Show them how you plan the monthly budget, including setting aside money for bills, savings, and giving. Let them help with small decisions, like choosing groceries within a budget.
• Lend them a small amount of money for something they want (like $5 for a treat), then require repayment from their allowance with “interest.” Discuss how quickly debt can grow if they borrow too much.
• Start a daily gratitude practice where kids list things they are thankful for, emphasizing non-material blessings.

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Help Others

We should always be willing to help others. It is not always a financial act. It could be giving someone a warm jacket that we don’t need or taking dinner to a neighbor that is struggling. We have to open our eyes and look beyond our own problems. There’s always someone else with more problems than us. Realizing this, helps us have a thankful heart and a giving spirit.

Teach the Scripture:

• I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35
• Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. Malachi 3:10
• He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again. Proverbs 19:17
• Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. II Corinthians 9:7
• But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? I John 3:17

Practical Application:

• Create a Giving Jar alongside their Saving and Spending jars. Teach them to allocate a portion of any money they receive (allowance, birthday gifts) to help others.
• Teach them to set aside a percent of money received to give to the church.
• Teach kids to identify toys, clothes, or books they no longer use that are in good condition. Let them accompany you to donate these items.
• Help them plan a small fundraiser like a lemonade stand, bake sale, or craft-making event. Proceeds can go to a specific charity or someone in need.
• Take them to serve at a soup kitchen, pack meals, or participate in community cleanups. If possible, explain how donations (like tithes or contributions to nonprofits) help fund these efforts.

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Trust God

Be a hard worker and try to plan and prepare for the future, but always remember to trust God. He is the same God in tough times that He is in hard time. He’s the God of the mountain and the valley. He give us peace that passes all understanding. Do your best, then trust the Lord.

Teach the Scripture:

• But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
• Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrews 13:5
• He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a branch. Proverbs 11:28
• For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:21
• The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. I Samuel 2:7 (God is in control)

Practical Applications:

• Teach them to pray, asking God for wisdom in spending, saving, or giving decisions. Encourage them to pray about how to use their own money wisely.
• Tell personal or biblical stories of times when God provided for needs, such as Elijah and the widow (1 Kings 17) or the feeding of the 5,000 (John 6). Relate it to times God has provided for your family.
• Memorize Bible Verses About Trusting God
• Start a family journal where everyone writes down ways God has blessed them financially or provided for their needs. Read it together during family time.
• Teach kids to give the first portion of any money they receive (allowance, gifts, etc.) to God through tithing. Let them experience the joy of giving to church or others in need.

Teaching our kids to be wise with their money not only cultivates a generous heart but also aligns their actions with God’s Word. By incorporating simple, everyday activities into your routine, you can demonstrate that giving is an act of love and faith. Whether through sharing, donating, or volunteering, these lessons will stay with them for life, shaping their character and priorities.

Let’s equip the next generation to honor God and make a difference in the world. What are some ways your family practices generosity? Share your ideas in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!

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