The Bible says that Solomon was the richest man who ever lived and also the wisest ever to live (1 Kings 4:31). I think that makes him qualified to give some financial advice. I know there is some debate over whether or not Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes, so just in case he didn’t we can use the alternate title of: Financial Lessons from someone wise.

Now that the U.S. economic crisis has contributed to a global recession, many wonder if life will ever be the same. I sure hope not! We did not get into this situation by accident, nor is this the judgment of God, which most prophets of doom declare at the mention of bad news.

Instead, this crisis is the consequence of violating certain principals that govern the creation, accumulation and perpetuation of wealth. Like the law of gravity, God has woven into the fabric of life specific laws that govern wealth. Violate them, and sudden economic disaster is imminent.

Few, if any, industries are immune to the global economic recession that has led to millions of lost jobs across the United States. Despite crunching the numbers and considering alternatives, employers are often forced to conclude that layoffs are necessary to keep the business afloat.

Employers need to focus on determining which employees remain vital to execute the company’s critical functions, ensure that protected classes are not disparately affected, notify affected employees in advance as required by federal and state WARN Acts, and have a plan for discharging those employees that maximizes their human dignity and minimizes disruption to business operations, according to Pepper Hamilton LLP, a multi-practice law firm in Boston.

“Employers should also consider their remaining employees, who will watch their friends and colleagues lose their jobs,” says Steven R. London, a partner in the law firm of Pepper Hamilton. “It’s critical to ensure that your remaining employees maintain their morale, and that they stay motivated under the pressure of trying to maintain operations with a decreased workforce. This is a critical, but often overlooked, aspect of any downsizing plan.”

Will your money buy next year what it bought last year? According to Franklin Sanders, founder of "The Moneychanger" in Tennessee, currencies are devalued when government central bankers increase a nation's money supply by fiat. Such action increases inflation risk and decreases a currencies purchasing power.