Bible Verse
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Every parent teaches their children about honesty, integrity, and doing the right thing even when no one is watching. But here's the uncomfortable question we need to ask ourselves: Are we living out those lessons when financial opportunities present themselves? Today, we're going to look at the small compromises we make for money that we hope our children never discover, and what those choices reveal about what we truly treasure. This prayer matters because our character isn't just about what we say we believe—it's about what we actually do when there's money involved.
Short Devotional
Solomon wrote something that should make every parent pause in today’s verse. Think about it for a moment. We spend so much energy teaching our kids to tell the truth, to be trustworthy, to keep their word. Yet how often do we bend the rules when filling out forms, fudge numbers on returns, use someone else's account to get a discount, or take shortcuts that technically aren't illegal but definitely aren't honest? Our children are watching—not just what we tell them, but what we actually do when money is on the table.
The gap between our words and our actions teaches louder than any lecture we could ever give. When we claim someone else's military discount at the store, exaggerate a damage claim for insurance, or "forget" to mention income on our taxes, we're showing our children that character has a price tag. We're demonstrating that what we really value isn't the good name Solomon talks about—it's the money we can gain by cutting corners. Jesus knew this truth when He warned that we cannot serve both God and money. The question isn't whether we're making these compromises. The question is whether we're willing to admit it and change.
Let's Pray
Heavenly Father,
I come before You knowing that You see everything—not just my public image, but my private decisions.
You know the financial shortcuts I've taken that I would never want my children to discover. You see the times I've compromised honesty for money, justified small deceptions because "everyone does it," and chosen financial gain over integrity when I thought no one was watching.
Father, forgive me for the gap between the character I claim and the character I demonstrate when money is involved.
Thank You for loving me even when You see my failures. Thank You for not giving up on me when I choose poorly.
I'm grateful that Your grace covers my mistakes and that You continue to work in my heart, even when I resist.
Help me understand that my reputation—my good name—is worth more than any amount of money I could gain through dishonest means.
Give me the courage to make right choices even when they cost me financially. Show me where I've been cutting corners, where I've been justifying compromises, where I've been teaching my children that money matters more than truth.
Give me strength to close the gap between what I say I believe and what I actually do.
Transform my heart so that I treasure integrity more than income. Help me build a reputation that accurately reflects Your character in me.
Let my financial decisions be something I could share openly with my children without shame. Make me someone who chooses the hard right over the easy wrong, even when it hurts my wallet.
In Jesus's name, the name above all names, I pray. Amen.
Journaling Prompts
If your children grew up to handle money exactly the way you do—including the compromises you make—how would you feel about their character? Be honest about whether you'd be proud or concerned.
Describe a specific situation where you chose financial advantage over honesty. What would it look like to make that right now, even if it costs you money?
How has pursuing wealth or financial shortcuts affected your relationship with God? Do you find yourself praying less when you're cutting ethical corners with money?
Building a character that matches what we teach our children isn't easy, especially when money pressures feel overwhelming. But God promises to strengthen us when we choose integrity over income, and He honors those who value their reputation more than their riches. May this week be one where we close the gap between our words and our actions, one honest choice at a time.
Until next time,
May the Lord bless you and keep you;
May He make His face shine upon you;
And be gracious to you and give you peace.
God Bless!
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