Day 15 — Save Some

“Precious treasures and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them.”

— Proverbs 21:20 (BSB)

You get twenty dollars for your birthday. What happens next?

Some guys spend it the same day. Candy, a game, a new skin, some random thing they don’t even want a week later. And then it’s gone.

Proverbs describes two kinds of people. In the home of the wise, there are “precious treasures and oil,” good things stored up and saved. But the foolish man “consumes them.” He uses up everything he gets, right away, with nothing left over.

As you grow up, you’ll have more money: allowance, birthday money, and maybe money from mowing lawns, shoveling snow, pet sitting or other jobs. How you handle a little money now is practice for handling a lot of money later.

Here are some money-wise habits you can start now:

• Give first. Everything you have comes from God. Many Christians give part of their money back to Him first, to their church or to help people in need.
• Save some. Don’t spend it all. Put some away for later. Saving lets you buy something bigger that you really want, and it teaches you patience.
• Spend wisely. Before you buy something, ask: Do I really need this? Will I still want it next week? Is it worth the money?
• Watch out for sneaky spending. In-app purchases, loot boxes and game currency can eat up money fast, without it ever feeling like real money. Always ask a parent first.
• Work hard. Earning money by doing a job well is something to be proud of.
• Be content. Don’t try to keep up with what the other guys have.

Many families use three jars or envelopes: Give, Save and Spend. When you get money, you divide it between the three. It’s a simple way to build wise habits.

Money isn’t good or bad by itself. It’s a tool. A wise man uses it well.

Think about it: What do you usually do with money when you get it? Are you more like the wise man or the foolish man in this verse?

Try this: Set up three jars or envelopes: Give, Save and Spend. The next time you get money, divide it between them.

Dear God, everything I have comes from You. Help me be wise with money: to give generously, save some, and spend carefully. Help me be content with what I have. In Jesus’ name, Amen.