Is money something you seem to always have a shortage of in your life? Does it feel like you never have enough? Do you find yourself constantly asking for an advance on next week’s allowance? Do you spend a lot of small change here and there, but have nothing to show for it—and then wonder where your money went? It might seem as though there is never enough money to buy the things you would like to buy and to do the things you would like to do.

How does one find the solutions to these problems?

First, you must realize that your problem might not solely be a supply problem. It could be poor management and unwise use of money. There are certain guidelines and principles that, if followed, will help you to achieve immediate goals, as well as ensure success in the future.

There is a source that provides wise counsel that will lead to good financial management. That source is your Bible. You may be surprised that it contains many principles and tips about acquiring and using money.

Let’s look into God’s Word and study what He has to say about money. Write out the verses that answer the questions. This will help you to remember the important principles you will learn, as well as make it easier to review later.

(1) What qualifies God to advise you about money? Is He the Creator of all things? John 1:1-3; Ephesians 3:9. Is He the owner of everything? Psalms 24:1; Deuteronomy 10:14. As the owner of this vast wealth, is He willing to share it with us? John 10:10; III John 2.

We can see that God is the Source—the Creator—of everything physical and spiritual. Yet God is not selfish. He is a gracious and giving God who wants to share His wealth with us. He wants us to enjoy the many good things in life, but in the proper way.

(2) What can we expect if we follow God’s laws and principles? Psalms 1:1-3; 112:1-3. What will God do for those who respectfully trust in Him? Psalms 34:8-10; 84:11-12.

God promises to give us material blessings if we seek to please Him wholeheartedly. We can expect Him to intervene on our behalf, making it possible for us to prosper, if we faithfully follow through on our part.

(3) What additional principles are found in Proverbs 24:27 and 18:15?

These two proverbs warn that we should prepare ourselves before taking on major responsibilities, such as a family. Those who marry too young, not having prepared themselves for the job market, often face tough times financially. You may have witnessed this firsthand from people you have known. You can learn from their mistakes and spare yourself the unhappiness that results from making bad decisions. Make sure you acquire the education and marketable skills necessary to ensure a successful career before taking on the responsibilities of marriage and a family.

(4) What is a guaranteed way to end up in poverty? Where will excessive eating, drinking and laziness lead to? Proverbs 23:21; 24:30-34. Also, notice what results from always wanting to party and to pursue a “good time.” Proverbs 21:17.

(5) Notice the reward of the diligent, the hard worker, and the one who applies himself. Proverbs 13:4; 12:24. To what degree should we strive to do this? Ecclesiastes 9:10.

The diligence of honest hard work will most certainly bring material blessings, as well as a sense of accomplishment. Start to develop this fundamental practice now by applying it to your school work, odd jobs around the house, or any part-time job. If you are employed, strive to do your job to the best of your ability. In doing so, you will not only build a solid foundation for success, but will also display a work ethic that your employer values—and probably rarely sees.

(6) Why are we told to observe the ant? What can we learn from it? Proverbs 6:6-8; 30:24-25.

Ants show the principle of diligence in action, as well as demonstrating the importance of saving. You will notice that they store food for future use. This is a lesson for us to learn from. You can apply this by saving a certain portion of your paycheck or allowance. Use it only for planned expenditures, not impulse buying.

This leads to another aspect of saving, referred to as budgeting. Although the Bible does not specifically mention budgeting, the principle certainly fits into the idea of saving for the future. Budgeting is simply money management—planning how you are going to use your money. Budgeting helps because it shows where your money is going. This allows you to make well thought-out purchases and to avoid impulse spending. Each time you receive a paycheck or allowance, divide the money into predetermined amounts for the items you plan to buy, as well as any bills you may have. Budgeting helps you to maintain complete control over your money.

(7) Beware of the “get rich quick” schemes that promise big returns in a short period of time. Notice Solomon’s warning about these. Proverbs 28:19-20, 22.

Do not be fooled into thinking that gambling or investing in such plans is an easy path to quick riches. Chances are greater that you will lose your money, because the odds are against you.

(8) Another trap that leads to financial ruin is the unwise use of credit cards, which is just another form of borrowing. The concept of “buy now, pay later” results in high interest rates and overspending. Where does that leave you? Does the borrower then become servant to the lender? Proverbs 22:7.

We should avoid unwise and unnecessary debts. When you become indebted to others, they have power over you. Consider. What if you owe others and economic hard times strike? They will still expect monthly payments regardless if you have an income. In addition, you will be subject to late charges. If you default, the entire amount can then become due at once. That is a bad financial predicament to be in!

(9) There is a law that, if kept, will have the greatest affect on your financial future. God has promised certain blessings if we follow this law. He even challenges us to prove whether He keeps His promise. Does God promise to bless us if we pay Him what is rightfully His? Malachi 3:10. Also look at Proverbs 3:9-10. Can neglecting to pay God’s tithes be considered stealing His money? Malachi 3:8-9.

Stop and consider! God owns all things. He created everything in this physical universe, including humanity. God allows us to use His creation to cultivate food and make a living. He only expects that we pay Him ten percent of all we produce. That is the meaning of the word tithe—one tenth. Look at it this way: Everything belongs to God, yet He requires of us only a fraction of what we produce.

Since we are unable to pay God His tithes in person, we have a responsibility to pay them to His designated representatives. Such representatives would be faithfully proclaiming His truth.

(10) Should we be careful not to make the accumulation of money our main objective in life? Proverbs 15:27; 23:4-5; Luke 12:15. What is of greater value than money? Proverbs 3:13-18; 16:16; 22:1; Psalm 119:72; Matthew 6:19-21. Consider Jesus Christ’s promise, if we seek true riches. Matthew 6:33.

Some have made prosperity and riches their top priority in life. Money can certainly buy a lot of things—but it will not buy happiness. Neither will it solve every problem that you encounter in life. Jesus Christ taught that obeying God and looking to Him for guidance is a far more important and rewarding goal. The sound character, the good friends, and the wisdom that result is of far greater importance and value than money or the material things it can buy.

(11) What is another important principle that Christ revealed about managing our resources and responsibilities? Luke 16:10. Also notice the first part of Proverbs 28:20. Our money management speaks to our character. If you can wisely handle the amount of money you have now, it will help you to develop the habits necessary to handle more in the future.

If you begin to apply the principles outlined in this study, you will find they really do work. You can begin today to build good money management habits that will benefit you for a lifetime!