The Green Temperament with Kathleen Edelman and Rachel Petty

“The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.” — Proverbs 14:8

Today, we’re continuing our series on temperaments—how our God-given wiring shapes the way we communicate, relate to others, and make financial decisions. Kathleen Edelman is back with us, joined by Rachel Petty, as we take a closer look at the Green temperament and how it influences our approach to money.

Kathleen Edelman is the author of I Said This, You Heard That: How Your Wiring Colors Your Communication. She is certified in Biblical Studies and Christian Counseling Psychology and has spent over 30 years coaching clients in the art of effective communication.

Rachel Petty is a valued member of Kathleen Edelman’s team and is our Green Temperament representative for this episode. 

What Are the Four Temperaments?

The concept of temperaments dates back to Hippocrates, whom Galen followed in naming the four temperaments. Each temperament is a wiring we’re born with—more like eye color than personality—and it shapes how we communicate, relate, and even handle money. The four types are:

• Yellow (Sanguine): Extrovert, people-oriented; speaks the language of people and fun.
• Red (Choleric): Extrovert, task-oriented; speaks the language of power and control.
• Blue (Melancholic): Introvert, task-oriented; speaks the language of perfection and order.
• Green (Phlegmatic): Introvert, people-oriented; speaks the language of calm and harmony.

Temperament is your innate wiring. Personality develops through life experiences, but temperament remains relatively consistent.

Meet the Green: Introverted and People-Oriented

Greens are known as “relationship glue”—calm in chaos, steady in presence, and always people-conscious. They’re inward processors, but also deeply relational.

They are drawn to budgeting with others and long-term planning. They don’t like flashy risks or micromanaging. They prefer round numbers and fewer check-ins.

Because Greens crave harmony, they might avoid financial conflict or decisions altogether. But with gentle encouragement and time, they become wise and thoughtful stewards.

Strategies That Help

Rachel offers practical tools for those who fall under the Green category or know somebody who does:

• Stay involved. Greens can sometimes disengage easily. It’s a discipline to speak up.
• Name what matters. Clarifying what’s most important—whether for a trip or a purchase—helps prioritize.
• Set deadlines. It gives them the gentle nudge that action is needed.

Greens thrive when respected and heard. Their insights are valuable—they just need time and space to process them fully.

However, don’t pressure a Green. Invite them in gently and clearly. They want to contribute—they just need the right environment.

The Innate Needs of a Green

According to Kathleen, Greens have four core needs:

1. Harmony – a peaceful environment.
2. Lack of Stress – minimal conflict.
3. Feeling of Worth – appreciation for who they are.
4. Respect – being asked for their input.

When these needs are met, Greens are kind, steady, and confident. When ignored, they may retreat or procrastinate.

For those in the Green category, take the time to understand what matters to you and lean into your steady nature. And for those in a relationship with a Green—give them time, space, and encouragement. There’s more going on than you might see.

And remember this: if you are a Green, your calm is a gift. Advocate for yourself—peace sometimes requires courage. Your voice matters.

Want More?

If you've found this information valuable, make sure you don’t miss Kathleen’s latest article on temperaments, featured in the newest issue of Faithful Steward magazine. This quarterly publication is a special resource we send to our FaithFi partners—those who support the ministry at a monthly rate of $35 (or more) or an annual rate of at least $400. 

To become a partner and receive your copy, along with other exclusive benefits, just visit FaithFi.com/Give.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

• My husband and I are both in our second marriage, and we have a blended family. His children are grown and financially independent, while mine are still in college. We have different perspectives on how to manage the assets we each brought into the marriage, and we’re unsure how to align our financial approach moving forward. What would you suggest?
• Is it true that any interest earned from a high-yield savings account must be reported to the federal government for tax purposes?

Resources Mentioned:

• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)
• I Said This, You Heard That: How Your Wiring Colors Your Communication by Kathleen Edelman
• Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money
• Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety
• Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool
• Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)
• FaithFi App

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.