Biblical Principles of Finance

Without apology, this entire book is based on the authority and authenticity of “The Holy Bible.” In the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts, God’s Word is inerrant, inspired, and totally without any blemish of any kind. In the New International Version of the Bible, II Timothy 3:16-17 is translated:

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

The Greek word which is translated as “God-breathed” is “theopneustos.” Theopneustos literally means the breath of God. Scripture is the very essence of Almighty God.

As a former Faculty Sponsor of the Collegiate Ministry of Navigators at Fresno State University (CSUF), I am familiar with testimony of Leroy Eims, former full-time minister of The Navigators. When Leroy was asked whether he believed the Bible from cover-to-cover, he replied essentially, “No, I believe the cover also. It says The Holy Bible.” That is the same position that I take with regard to the Word of God. It is totally true and without error in the original manuscripts.

Those truths of God provide the foundation for this work. It is my prayer that God’s Holy Spirit will lead, guide, and direct you as you read this book. As you do, may God bless you in accordance with III John 2 (KJV):

“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper And be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”

While the primary emphasis on this work is for U. S. citizens, it will have application for citizens of other countries as well. However, non-U.S. readers should generally disregard references which are specific to the U.S.A.

This book is not intended to provide specific tax advice or investment counseling. Where tax considerations are discussed, the reader should confirm that those provisions are still applicable and have not been changed by Congress, the Department of Treasury interpretation, or judicial decisions. It is generally best to obtain tax advice which is specifically related to your unique situation. The information provided here is conceptual and may not be applicable to your specific situation.

Additionally, the only guarantee concerning investment counseling is that all investments will perform in one of three possibilities. They will either: (1) go down, (2) go up, or (3) remain the same. Investments should be made in accordance with your specific investment goals, your risk tolerances, and your peace of mind. Every person’s precise financial condition is unique and any investment should be made only after appropriate investigation has been made for all reasonable alternatives. This book is an inadequate substitute for a thorough evaluation of your specific investment situation.