Chapter 63—Instructing Children How to Earn and
Use Money
Teach Simple Habits in Daily Life—Parents are to bring up and
educate and train their children in habits of self-control and self-denial.
They are ever to keep before them their obligation to obey the word of
God and to live for the purpose of serving Jesus. They are to educate
their children that there is need of living in accordance with simple
habits in their daily life, and to avoid expensive dress, expensive diet,
expensive houses, and expensive furniture
When very young, children should be educated to read, to write, to
understand figures, to keep their own accounts. They may go forward,
advancing step by step in this knowledge. But before everything else,
they should be taught that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of
wisdom
Youth to Be Considerate of Family Finance—Through erro-
neous ideas regarding the use of money the youth are exposed to
many dangers. They are not to be carried along and supplied with
money as if there were an inexhaustible supply from which they could
draw to gratify every supposed need. Money is to be regarded as a gift
entrusted to us of God to do His work, to build up His kingdom, and
the youth should learn to restrict their desires
Do not make your wants many, especially if the income for home
expenses is limited. Bring your wants within your parents’ means. The
Lord will recognize and commend your unselfish efforts.... Be faithful
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in that which is least. You will then be in no danger of neglecting
greater responsibilities. God’s word declares, “He that is faithful in
that which is least is faithful also in much.
Give Lessons in Money Values—Money which comes to the
young with but little effort on their part will not be valued. Some
1
The Review and Herald, November 13, 1894
.
2
Counsels to Teachers, Parents, and Students, 168, 169
.
3
Testimonies For The Church 6, 214, 215
.
4
Manuscript 2, 1903
.
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