What Money Can’t Buy (Part 2)
About 12 minutes, plus hands-on activity and discussion.
Think about it
Congratulations! You made it to the 10th and final lesson of Section 1, where we learned all about what money is and how to think about it. This lesson picks up where we left off in the last lesson.
Money can help with many things, but some of the most valuable treasures in life aren’t for sale. Today we’re going to explore six more things money can’t buy. These are things that shape who you are, how you live, and how close you are to God.
Let’s Learn
Money is valuable, but not the most valuable
Several lessons have taught us that we need money, but money can’t give us everything we truly need to live a full, meaningful, and God-honoring life. Some treasures have to be chosen, practiced, and received — not purchased.
Here are six more priceless things that money can’t buy.
1. Money can’t buy Wisdom
Money can buy books, classes, and tutors, but it can’t make you wise.
Wisdom is knowing the right thing to do and actually doing it. It’s not just about having facts in your head; it’s about making choices that honor God and help others.
Example: You could spend money on the best cookbooks and kitchen gadgets, but if you never practice cooking, you won’t become a great chef. In the same way, you can read lots of advice, but only by applying it to your life can you become wise.
The Bible says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Proverbs 9:10) True wisdom starts when we respect God, listen to Him, and follow His ways.
2. Money can’t buy Health
Money can buy healthy food, a nice gym, and good doctors, but it can’t guarantee good health. Even wealthy people can get sick, and even people with little money can enjoy strong health.
Example: You can buy expensive sports gear, but if you never use it, it won’t make you healthy. Or you can buy lots of candy — but eating too much of it will hurt your health, no matter how much money you have.
God calls us to take care of our bodies because they are His creation. Good health is a gift, and we can protect it by making wise choices about what we eat, how we move, and how we rest.
3. Money can’t buy Thankfulness
Money can buy you a lot of nice things, but it can’t make you thankful. Thankfulness comes from the heart. Thankfulness is a choice to notice and appreciate the blessings you have, big or small.
Example: Someone could buy you a huge gift, but if you’re always thinking about what you don’t have, you won’t feel thankful. On the other hand, you can be thankful for something as simple as a warm blanket on a cold day.
The Bible says, “Give thanks in all circumstances.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) This means we can be thankful not just when everything goes our way, but in every season of life.
4. Money can’t buy Forgiveness
Money can pay for a lawyer or an “I’m sorry” gift, but it can’t erase the wrong you’ve done or heal a broken relationship. Forgiveness is something only another person (or God) can give you.
Example: If you hurt a friend’s feelings, buying them a gift might help a little, but it won’t mean much if you never say “I’m sorry” and truly mean it. Forgiveness comes from the heart, not from a shopping bag.
Jesus taught us to forgive others just as God has forgiven us (Ephesians 4:32). Forgiveness can’t be bought, but it’s one of the most valuable gifts you can ever receive or give.
5. Money can’t buy Purpose
Money can buy you a career, travel, or fancy tools, but it can’t give your life true meaning. Purpose is knowing why you’re here and living in a way that matters.
Example: You might buy the best art supplies in the world, but if you don’t know what you want to create, they’ll just sit in the closet. Purpose gives you direction and energy to use your gifts for something bigger than yourself.
God made each of us for a reason. The Bible says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works…” (Ephesians 2:10) Your purpose comes from Him, not from a paycheck.
6. Money Can’t Buy Salvation
Money can buy a church building, a Bible, or even a trip to the Holy Land — but it can’t buy your way into heaven. Salvation is the gift of being saved from sin and given eternal life with God.
Example: Long ago, some churches in history made the mistake of selling “indulgences,” pieces of paper claiming that if you paid money, your sins would be forgiven. This went against the Bible’s teaching that salvation is a free gift from God through Jesus Christ.
The Bible says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith… it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8–9) No amount of money can buy salvation, it’s God’s gift to all who believe.
Did You Know?
Over 500 years ago, a huge change began in the church. This change started with the question, “Can you buy your way into heaven?”
In the early 1500s, some church leaders in Europe were selling something called indulgences. They told people that by paying money, they could have their sins forgiven or shorten their time in purgatory. People were told that giving money could help save their souls or the souls of their loved ones.
But a German monk named Martin Luther read the Bible carefully and saw that this teaching didn’t match what God’s Word says. The Bible teaches that salvation is a free gift from God through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). Salvation means being saved from sin and given eternal life, and no amount of money can buy it.
In 1517, Luther wrote 95 Theses, a list of statements challenging the sale of indulgences, and nailed them to a church door in Wittenberg. This act sparked the Protestant Reformation, a movement that reminded Christians that God’s grace is free and cannot be purchased.
a surprise treasure map
Liam loved adventure stories, so when he found an old map at a yard sale for $1, he was thrilled. The map showed a trail leading to a hidden treasure in the forest.
He followed the map for hours until he found a big tree with a box underneath. Excited, he opened it, but instead of gold, he found a note:
“The greatest treasures in life aren’t bought or sold. They’re lived and given.”
At first, Liam felt disappointed. But then he noticed the forest around him. He experienced the sunlight streaming through the leaves, the sound of birds, and the crisp fresh air. He realized the real treasure was the opportunity to enjoy the simple things in life, the health to explore, and the friends he’s made along the way.
Words to Know
Wisdom is knowing what is right and making good choices based on God’s truth.
Forgiveness is choosing to let go of anger toward someone who has wronged you.
Purpose is the reason you were made and the good things God planned for you to do.
Let’s Play!
Drag and Drop Game
Instructions: Can You buy it with money, or not? Drag the words to the correct category.
Bible Time
“For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.”
— Proverbs 8:11
In this verse, the Bible tells us that wisdom is worth more than the most valuable jewels. Rubies were extremely rare and precious in Bible times, just like they are today. But God says that no treasure, even the most expensive one, can compare to having wisdom.
When you have wisdom, it blesses every part of your life such as your friendships, your family, and even how you use your money. That’s why it’s worth more than anything money can buy. Pray for wisdom and trust that God will bless you with it.
With Your Grown-Up
If a grown-up or parent is nearby, spend a minute to discuss one or both of these topics.
Hands On
Put learning into action! Download the activity and dive into a fun, practical way to explore today’s lesson.
What we Learned
Money can buy many useful things, but it can’t buy wisdom, health, thankfulness, forgiveness, purpose, or salvation. These are treasures that come from God, from our choices, and from loving others.
Get excited! You finished Section 1! In the next section we’ll learn all about how to earn money.
Check Your Understanding
High-Five!
Hit play for your end-of-lesson video!