Based on Ellen White's extensive writings about money, here are the key principles she taught: ## Ellen White's Teachings on Money ### **Money as Stewardship** Ellen White consistently taught that all money belongs to God and we are merely stewards: "All we possess is the Lord's, and we are accountable to Him for the use we make of it. In the use of every penny, it will be seen whether we love God supremely and our neighbor as ourselves" (COL 351). "God has made men stewards of means. He has placed in their hands the money with which to carry forward the great work for the salvation of souls" (3T 117.2). ### **The Danger of Love of Money** She repeatedly warned about the spiritual dangers of loving money: "The love of money is the root of all evil. It blinds the vision and prevents people from discerning their obligations to God or to their neighbors" (1T 478.2). "The love of money was the ruling passion in the Jewish age. Worldliness usurped the place of God and religion in the soul. So it is now" (MB 88.4). ### **Proper Use of Money** Money should be used for God's glory and helping others: "Money is a trust from God. It is not ours to expend for the gratification of pride or ambition. In the hands of God's children it is food for the hungry, and clothing for the naked. It is a defense to the oppressed, a means of health to the sick, a means of preaching the gospel to the poor" (MH 287.3). ### **Tithing and Offerings** She taught systematic giving through tithes and offerings: "God's plan in the tithing system is beautiful in its simplicity and equality. All may take hold of it in faith and courage, for it is divine in its origin" (3T 388.4). "The Lord graciously entrusts to His stewards His treasures, but of the tenth he says: This is Mine" (6T 384.2). ### **Avoiding Debt** Ellen White counseled against debt: "The lax way which some churches have of incurring debts and keeping in debt was presented before me... These things should not, and need not, be. If there is that wisdom and tact and zeal manifested for the Master which God requires, there will be a change in these things" (6T 102.1). ### **Economy and Self-Denial** She advocated for careful financial management: "Every man or woman employed in the publishing house should be a faithful sentinel, watching that nothing be wasted. All should guard against supposed wants that require an expenditure of means" (7T 207.1). ### **Inheritance and Wealth Transfer** She warned against leaving excessive wealth to children: "Those who withhold from the treasury of God and hoard their means for their children, endanger the spiritual interest of their children. They place their property, which is a stumbling block to themselves, in the pathway of their children, that they may stumble over it to perdition" (3T 399.1). ### **Contentment** She taught contentment with basic necessities: "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content" (4T 618.1). Ellen White's counsel on money emphasizes that it should be viewed as a sacred trust from God, used for His glory and the benefit of others, while avoiding the spiritual dangers of covetousness and materialism.