This workbook teaches you Yahuah's design for money and finances. Most of what the world teaches about money is backwards! Learn the truth about honest money, debt freedom, and biblical stewardship.
1. RECEIVERead and learn
2. REFLECTThink deeply
3. RECALLRemember it
4. RECITETeach someone
5. REVIEWCome back to it
6. RESPONDTake action
Lesson 1 of 8
Real Money vs. Fake Money
What Is REAL Money?
Did you know that the money in your pocket isn't really money at all? It's just paper with pictures on it! Real money - the kind Yahuah designed - is made of precious metals like silver and gold.
"'The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,' says Yahuah of hosts."
- Haggai 2:8
Throughout the Bible, money is always described as silver or gold - never paper. When Abraham bought land, he paid in silver. When Joseph was sold, it was for silver coins. When Yahusha overturned tables in the Temple, it was the money changers (people who exchanged real coins) He was upset with.
כֶּסֶף (Kesef)
Hebrew word for both "silver" AND "money" - same word! This shows that in Yahuah's design, silver IS money.
Why Silver and Gold?
Real Value: Silver and gold are valuable by themselves. You can't just print more like paper money. They're rare, beautiful, and useful.
Can't Be Faked: You can't just create silver or gold out of nothing. Paper money can be printed endlessly, which makes it worth less and less over time.
Lasts Forever: Gold found in Egyptian tombs from 3,000 years ago still shines! Paper money rots, burns, and falls apart.
What Happened to Real Money?
In 1971, the United States stopped backing its money with gold. Before that, you could trade your paper dollars for actual gold. Now? The paper is worth... paper.
Since 1971, the dollar has lost over 98% of its buying power! What cost $1 in 1971 costs about $8 today. That's called "inflation" - but it's really just the government printing too much fake money.
"A false balance is an abomination to Yahuah, but a just weight is His delight."
- Proverbs 11:1
Creating money from nothing is like using a cheating scale - it's dishonest. Yahuah hates dishonest money systems!
While we have to use paper money for daily life, wise believers understand that silver and gold are REAL money. As you grow up and earn money, consider saving some in precious metals rather than just paper dollars that lose value every year.
Lesson 1 Questions
1. According to Haggai 2:8, who owns all the silver and gold?
2. The Hebrew word "Kesef" means both __________ and __________.
3. What happened in 1971 that changed American money?
4. Why does Yahuah hate "false balances" (dishonest money)?
Scripture Memory: Haggai 2:8
"'The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,' says Yahuah of hosts."
Write it from memory:
Take Action This Week
Lesson 2 of 8
The Bite of Interest
What Is Usury?
Have you ever wondered why credit card companies are so eager to give people cards? Or why banks want you to take out loans? It's because of INTEREST - and the Bible calls it something very revealing:
נֶשֶׁךְ (Neshek)
The Hebrew word for "interest" literally means "TO BITE" - like a snake! Interest slowly bites away at your money until there's nothing left.
"If you lend money to any of My people who are poor among you, you shall not be like a moneylender to him; you shall not charge him interest."
- Exodus 22:25
Why Yahuah Forbids Interest
It Hurts People Who Are Already Struggling: When someone needs to borrow, they're already in trouble. Charging them extra makes their situation worse, not better.
It Creates Slavery: The Bible says "the borrower is servant to the lender" (Proverbs 22:7). Interest makes this slavery even harder to escape.
It Takes Without Giving: The lender profits without doing any real work. They just wait while the money "earns" more money.
How Interest Traps People
Let's say someone borrows $1,000 at 20% interest (a typical credit card rate):
If they only pay the minimum, they'll pay back about $2,400 - more than DOUBLE!
It could take 10+ years to pay off
The extra $1,400 goes straight to the credit card company
Credit card companies LOVE when people only make minimum payments. That's how they make billions of dollars every year - from interest!
"The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender."
- Proverbs 22:7
What About Savings Accounts?
This is a hard question. Banks pay you interest on savings, but they charge MUCH MORE interest to people who borrow. Your 0.5% interest comes from someone else paying 20% on a credit card. Something to think about as you grow in understanding.
For the first 1,000+ years of Christianity, the church taught that ALL interest was sinful. It was only when powerful bankers gained influence that this teaching changed. Yahuah's Word hasn't changed!
Lesson 2 Questions
1. The Hebrew word "neshek" (interest) comes from a root meaning:
2. According to Proverbs 22:7, the borrower is __________ to the lender.
3. If someone borrows $1,000 at 20% interest and only pays minimums, about how much will they pay back total?
4. Why do you think credit card companies are so eager to give people credit cards?
Scripture Memory: Proverbs 22:7
"The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender."
Write it from memory:
Teach-Back Challenge
Explain to a family member why the Hebrew word for interest means "to bite." What does that teach us about borrowing money?
Who did you teach?
Lesson 3 of 8
Yahuah's Economic Reset
The Shemitah: Every 7 Years
Imagine if every 7 years, all your family's debts just... disappeared! That's exactly what Yahuah commanded in the Torah:
"At the end of every seven years you shall grant a release of debts. Every creditor who has lent anything to his neighbor shall release it; he shall not require it of his neighbor or his brother, because it is called Yahuah's release."
- Deuteronomy 15:1-2
The Shemitah (sheh-mee-TAH) meant:
All debts among Israelites were cancelled
The land rested from farming
Hebrew servants were set free
The Jubilee: Every 50 Years
Even bigger than Shemitah was the JUBILEE - the 50th year super-reset!
"And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a Jubilee for you."
- Leviticus 25:10
What Happened at Jubilee:
ALL debts cancelled (not just the last 7 years)
All land returned to original families
All slaves freed
Fresh start for everyone!
Why This Matters
Think about what this meant:
No generational poverty: Even if grandpa lost everything, the family got their land back
No mega-corporations: No one could buy up all the land forever
No permanent debt slavery: Freedom was guaranteed
Today, some families have been in debt for generations. Student loans follow people for 30+ years. Mortgages last forever. This is the OPPOSITE of Yahuah's design!
Yahusha and the Jubilee
When Yahusha began His ministry, He quoted Isaiah about "proclaiming liberty to the captives" - this was JUBILEE language! He came to set us free from the ultimate debt - sin.
The Jubilee points to Yahusha! Just as debts were cancelled in the Jubilee, our sin-debt is cancelled through faith in HaMashiach. True financial AND spiritual freedom!
Lesson 3 Questions
1. How often did the Shemitah (debt release) occur?
2. What THREE things happened during the Jubilee year?
3. How does the Jubilee point to Yahusha and what He did for us?
Scripture Memory: Leviticus 25:10
"And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land to all its inhabitants."
Write it from memory:
Lesson 4 of 8
Honoring Yahuah First
What Are Firstfruits and Tithe?
Before you spend anything on yourself, the FIRST portion belongs to Yahuah. This isn't about giving Him leftovers - it's about giving Him the FIRST and BEST.
"Honor Yahuah with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine."
- Proverbs 3:9-10
מַעֲשֵׂר (Ma'aser)
"Tithe" in Hebrew, meaning "a tenth." 10% of your increase belongs to Yahuah FIRST.
Why Give First?
It Acknowledges Yahuah as the Source: Everything we have comes from Him. Giving first admits we're not the real owners - just stewards.
It Builds Trust: When you give before you know if you'll have "enough," you're trusting Yahuah to provide.
It Breaks the Power of Greed: Money can control us if we let it. Giving first breaks that grip.
Practical Application for Youth
Even if you're young and only have a little money from allowance, birthday gifts, or part-time work, you can practice this principle:
If you earn $20, set aside $2 for giving FIRST
If you get $100 for your birthday, $10 goes to support Kingdom work
This builds habits that will bless you for life
Giving isn't about making Yahuah rich - He already owns everything! It's about training our hearts to trust Him and be generous like Him.
Lesson 4 Questions
1. What does "tithe" (ma'aser) mean?
2. If you earned $50 from a summer job, how much would be the tithe?
3. According to Proverbs 3:9-10, what happens when we honor Yahuah with our firstfruits?
Take Action
If you receive any money this week (allowance, gift, payment for work), practice setting aside 10% FIRST before spending anything else.
Amount I received: $
Tithe amount (10%): $
Lesson 5 of 8
Breaking Free from Debt
The Debt Trap
The average American family has over $100,000 in debt. That's mortgages, car loans, credit cards, and student loans all added up. But this isn't "normal" in Yahuah's eyes - it's bondage!
"Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the Torah."
- Romans 13:8
The Debt Snowball Plan
When you're old enough to have debts (hopefully you'll avoid them!), here's the biblical strategy to get free:
Step 1 - STOP BORROWING: No more new debt. Cut up the credit cards. If you can't pay cash, you can't afford it.
Step 2 - SMALL EMERGENCY FUND: Save $1,000 first so you don't have to borrow for small emergencies.
Step 3 - LIST ALL DEBTS: Write down every debt from smallest to largest balance.
Step 4 - ATTACK SMALLEST FIRST: Pay minimums on everything except the smallest debt. Throw every extra dollar at it until it's gone.
Step 5 - ROLL THE SNOWBALL: When smallest is paid, take that payment and add it to the next smallest. The "snowball" grows bigger!
Step 6 - CELEBRATE FREEDOM: When debt-free, build a full emergency fund (3-6 months expenses) and start building wealth.
Why Smallest First?
Mathematically, paying highest interest first saves money. But behavior matters more than math! Quick wins on small debts build motivation and prove that freedom is possible.
Being debt-free isn't just about money - it's about FREEDOM. When you owe no one, you can follow Yahuah's leading without worrying about payments!
Lesson 5 Questions
1. According to Romans 13:8, what should we owe to others?
2. In the Debt Snowball method, which debt do you attack FIRST?
3. Why is being debt-free about more than just money?
Teach-Back Challenge
Explain the Debt Snowball method to someone. Why does it work even though it's not "mathematically optimal"?
Lesson 6 of 8
Saving Wisely
The Ant's Wisdom
"Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, which, having no captain, overseer or ruler, provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest."
- Proverbs 6:6-8
Ants don't need a boss telling them to save for winter - they just do it because it's wise! We should be the same way with our money.
Why Save?
Emergencies Happen: Cars break down. People get sick. Jobs are lost. Having savings means you don't have to borrow when trouble comes.
Opportunities Come: Sometimes amazing chances appear - but only for those who have the cash to take them.
It Shows Self-Control: Choosing to save instead of spend everything now proves you can delay gratification - a key life skill.
Practical Saving Tips for Youth
Pay yourself second: After tithe (10%), save at least 10% of any money you receive
Use the 24-hour rule: Before buying something you want (not need), wait 24 hours. Often the urge passes
Track your spending: Write down everything you spend for a month. You'll be surprised!
Have goals: Saving is easier when you're saving FOR something
Saving in Real Money
Remember Lesson 1? Paper money loses value over time. Consider saving some of your money in silver coins. Even one silver coin per month adds up over years!
"A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished."
- Proverbs 22:3
Lesson 6 Questions
1. According to Proverbs 6:6-8, what can we learn from ants?
2. What is the "24-hour rule" for purchases?
3. If you receive $40 and tithe 10% and save 10%, how much do you have left to spend?
Create a Savings Goal
What do you want to save for?
How much do you need? $
How much can you save per week? $
Lesson 7 of 8
Work, Don't Waste
The Blessing of Work
Some people think work is a curse - something we have to do because of sin. But work existed BEFORE the Fall! Yahuah put Adam in the garden to work it and keep it (Genesis 2:15).
"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going."
- Ecclesiastes 9:10
Work Ethic Principles
Work as Unto Yahuah: Whatever job you do, do it excellently - not just when someone's watching, but as if Yahuah Himself is your boss (because He is!).
Don't Be Lazy: The Bible has STRONG words against laziness. "If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat" (2 Thessalonians 3:10).
Develop Skills: The more skills you have, the more valuable your work. Learn practical things now while you're young!
Waste Not, Want Not
Being a good steward also means not WASTING what Yahuah provides:
Don't waste food - only take what you'll eat
Don't waste time - it's the one resource you can't get back
Don't waste money - think before every purchase
Take care of what you have - things last longer when maintained
"He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich."
- Proverbs 10:4
Lesson 7 Questions
1. TRUE or FALSE: Work is a curse that only exists because of sin.
2. What does "work as unto Yahuah" mean practically?
3. List three things we should not waste:
Skill Building
What practical skill would you like to learn this year? (cooking, car maintenance, gardening, sewing, woodworking, etc.)
How will you start learning it?
Lesson 8 of 8
The Generous Heart
Beyond Just Tithing
Tithing (10%) is the starting point, not the finish line. Yahuah loves generosity that goes beyond the minimum!
"Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you."
- Luke 6:38
Why Generosity Matters
It Reflects Yahuah's Character: Yahuah is the ultimate giver - He gave His own Son! When we give, we become more like Him.
It Breaks Greed's Power: Money wants to control us. Giving breaks its grip on our hearts.
It Helps Others: Your generosity can literally change someone's life!
It Stores Treasure in Heaven: Yahusha said to lay up treasures in heaven, not earth (Matthew 6:19-21).
How to Be Generous (Even When Young)
Give beyond 10% when you see a need
Be generous with your TIME, not just money
Share what you have with siblings and friends
Look for opportunities to bless others secretly
Support missionaries and those doing Kingdom work
"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."
- 1 Timothy 6:10
Notice it doesn't say "money is evil" - it says the LOVE of money is the problem. Money is a tool. The question is: does it serve you, or do you serve it?
True wealth isn't measured in dollars - it's measured in relationships, impact, and eternal treasure. Someone with little money but a generous heart is richer than a greedy billionaire!
Your Financial Freedom Summary
What you've learned in this workbook:
Real money is silver and gold, not paper
Interest (usury) is a "bite" that enslaves people
Yahuah designed regular economic resets (Shemitah/Jubilee)
Give first (tithe), then save, then spend
Debt is bondage - stay free!
Save like the ant - prepare for the future
Work hard and don't waste resources
Be generous like your Heavenly Father
Lesson 8 Questions
1. According to 1 Timothy 6:10, what is "a root of all kinds of evil"?
2. What are TWO ways to be generous besides giving money?
3. In your own words, what is TRUE wealth?
Scripture Memory: Luke 6:38
"Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over."
Write it from memory:
Final Commitment
Based on what you've learned, write a commitment for how you will handle money as you grow:
Spaced Review Tracker
Mark when you review each lesson to lock it into long-term memory:
Lesson
Day 1
Day 3
Day 7
Day 21
1. Real Money vs. Fake
2. The Bite of Interest
3. Economic Reset
4. Honoring First
5. Breaking Free
6. Saving Wisely
7. Work, Don't Waste
8. Generous Heart
Answer Key
Lesson 1: Real Money vs. Fake Money
1. c) Yahuah of hosts
2. Silver and Money
3. b) The dollar was disconnected from gold
4. Because it's dishonest - it steals value from people's savings through inflation. It cheats people out of the real worth of their money.
Lesson 2: The Bite of Interest
1. b) To bite (like a snake)
2. "servant"
3. c) About $2,400 (more than double)
4. Because they profit massively from interest payments. The longer people take to pay, the more money they make.
Lesson 3: Yahuah's Economic Reset
1. b) Every 7 years
2. (1) All debts cancelled, (2) Land returned to original families, (3) All slaves freed
3. Just as Jubilee cancelled financial debts and set people free, Yahusha cancels our sin-debt and sets us free from spiritual bondage.
Lesson 4: Honoring Yahuah First
1. b) A tenth (10%)
2. $5 (10% of $50 = $5)
3. Our barns will be filled with plenty and our vats will overflow - Yahuah promises to provide abundantly for those who honor Him first.
Lesson 5: Breaking Free from Debt
1. b) Nothing except love
2. b) The smallest balance
3. Being debt-free gives you freedom to follow Yahuah's leading without being tied down by payments. You can give more, take risks for the Kingdom, and aren't enslaved to lenders.
Lesson 6: Saving Wisely
1. Ants save for the future without being told to. They prepare during times of plenty for times of need. We should do the same with our money.
2. Before buying something you want (not need), wait 24 hours. Often the urge to buy passes and you realize you didn't really need it.
3. c) $32 ($40 - $4 tithe - $4 savings = $32)
Lesson 7: Work, Don't Waste
1. FALSE - Work existed before the Fall. Adam was given work in the Garden before sin entered.
2. It means doing your best work even when no one is watching, treating every job as if you're doing it directly for Yahuah.
3. Food, Time, Money (also acceptable: resources, possessions, opportunities)
Lesson 8: The Generous Heart
1. c) The love of money
2. Any two: Give time, share possessions, help others with skills, encourage people, bless others secretly
3. True wealth is measured in relationships, impact on others, and eternal treasure - not just money.