Money. Some say it's what makes the world go around. No matter how much you get, there always seems to be a need for more. For many people, the amount of money they possess—and the things it can buy—are the measure of how successful they are in life. The book of Proverbs contains a number of important points on how to manage money. Points to Build On Honor God with your possessions. Giving to God in thankfulness is an important key to successful living. Proverbs 3:9-10: "Honor the L ord 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." Plan for the future. Proverbs 6:6-11: "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. How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep—so shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, and your need like an armed man." Generosity produces more happiness than stinginess. Real wealth lies in who we are, not in what we own. Proverbs 11:24-26: "There is one who scatters, yet increases more; and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty. The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself. The people will curse him who withholds grain, but blessing will be on the head of him who sells it." Be careful about cosigning for others' debts. Proverbs 22:26-27: "Do not be one of those who shakes hands in a pledge, one of those who is surety for debts; if you have nothing with which to pay, why should he take away your bed from under you?" Be careful about borrowing money. Proverbs 22:7: "The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender." Application There are many proverbs about managing money and the proper approach to wealth. Proverbs teaches that wealth isn't evil, but the accumulation of wealth without living a life according to God's purpose is useless.