I. Introduction: Key Points
The Bible mentions tariffs in Ezra 4:13 and Matthew 17:25, suggesting they were a form of taxation by kings, often on foreigners.

Research suggests biblical principles like justice, fairness, and submission to authority (Romans 13:1-7) apply to tariffs, but views on their morality vary.

It seems likely that Christians should evaluate tariffs for fairness, support the vulnerable, and pray for wisdom in response to policies like those in 2025.

II. Biblical References on Tariffs
The Bible directly references tariffs in two verses from the New King James Version (NKJV):

Ezra 4:13 (NKJV): "May the king be further advised that if this city is rebuilt and its walls erected, its citizens will refuse to pay tributes, taxes, and tariffs, thereby restricting royal revenues." 
This shows that tariffs were a revenue source for kings.

Matthew 17:25 (NKJV): “Yes,” he said. When he went into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, “What do you think, Simon? Who do earthly kings collect tariffs or taxes from? From their sons or strangers?” 
This highlights that tariffs were often imposed on foreigners, not citizens.

These verses indicate that tariffs were part of ancient economic systems, used by rulers to generate income.

III. Broader Principles and Applications
Beyond these mentions, the Bible offers principles that can guide understanding of tariffs:

Submission to Authority: 
Romans 13:1-7 (NKJV) states, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities... For because of this, you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing." 
This suggests Christians should respect government-imposed tariffs as part of lawful authority.

Justice and Fairness: 
Leviticus 19:35-36 (NKJV) calls for honest dealings, which can extend to ensuring tariffs are just and not exploitative. Psalm 82:4 (NKJV) urges protecting the vulnerable, which might include using tariffs to safeguard jobs.

Loving Your Neighbor: 
Matthew 22:39 (NKJV) teaches, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," encouraging consideration of how tariffs affect both domestic and international communities.

For coping with America’s current proposed tariffs in 2025, these principles suggest:

Evaluate whether tariffs are fair and just, considering their impact on jobs, prices, and international relations.

Support those harmed, such as through charity or advocacy for fair trade policies.

Pray for wisdom in personal and collective responses, engaging in dialogue to understand diverse perspectives.

IV. Survey Note: Comprehensive Analysis of Biblical Perspectives on Tariffs and Modern Applications
This note provides a detailed examination of what the Bible says about tariffs, focusing on New King James Version (NKJV) references, and offers extensive guidance on coping with America’s current proposed tariffs in 2025, based on biblical principles. 

The analysis is grounded in the available biblical texts and Christian interpretations, aiming to address both theological and practical dimensions.

V. Biblical References and Context
The Bible, while not a modern economic treatise, contains references to tariffs, understood as taxes or duties on goods, particularly in trade contexts. 
Two specific verses from the NKJV explicitly mention tariffs:

Ezra 4:13 (NKJV): "May the king be further advised that if this city is rebuilt and its walls erected, its citizens will refuse to pay tributes, taxes, and tariffs, thereby restricting royal revenues." 
This verse, found in a letter to King Artaxerxes, illustrates tariffs as a critical component of royal revenue, highlighting their economic significance in ancient governance. 

The context suggests tariffs were part of a broader taxation system, including tributes and taxes, used to fund state operations.


Matthew 17:25 (NKJV): “Yes,” he said. When he went into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, “What do you think, Simon? Who do earthly kings collect tariffs or taxes from? From their sons or strangers?” 
In this dialogue, Jesus addresses Peter regarding the temple tax, using the example of earthly kings collecting tariffs from foreigners rather than their sons. 

This distinction implies a policy of imposing economic burdens on outsiders, which may reflect strategic or political considerations in trade.

These verses confirm that tariffs, as a concept, were recognized in biblical times, often linked to governance and revenue collection, particularly from non-citizens.

VI. Broader Biblical Principles Applicable to Tariffs
While direct mentions are limited, the Bible provides several principles that can be applied to understanding and evaluating tariffs:

Submission to Governing Authorities: 
Romans 13:1-7 (NKJV) is a cornerstone for Christian views on government policies, including taxation. The passage states, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God... For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor." 

This teaching establishes that tariffs, as a form of custom or tax, fall under the legitimate authority of government, and Christians are called to submit, provided such policies do not contradict divine law.

Justice and Fairness in Economic Dealings: 
The Bible emphasizes equitable treatment in economic matters, which can extend to tariff policies. Leviticus 19:35-36 (NKJV) instructs, "You shall do no injustice in judgment, in measurement of length, weight, or volume. You shall have honest scales, honest weights, an honest ephah, and an honest hin: I am the Lord your God." This principle of honest dealings suggests tariffs should be implemented fairly, without exploiting traders or consumers, and should not create undue economic disadvantage. 
Additionally, Psalm 82:4 (NKJV), "Deliver the poor and needy; free them from the hand of the wicked," underscores a governmental responsibility to protect vulnerable populations, which could include using tariffs to shield domestic industries and workers from unfair competition.

Loving Your Neighbor and Stewardship: 
Jesus' command in Matthew 22:39 (NKJV), "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," extends to economic policies, including tariffs. 
This principle encourages Christians to consider the impact of tariffs on both domestic and international neighbors, ensuring policies do not harm relationships or exacerbate economic disparities. 

Furthermore, the concept of ordered stewardship, as seen in 1 Timothy 5:8 (NKJV), "But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith," suggests prioritizing the well-being of one's community and nation, which could justify tariffs to protect local jobs and industries.

These principles collectively suggest that while tariffs are a legitimate governmental tool, they should align with justice, fairness, and the common good, reflecting Christian values of love and stewardship.

VII. Christian Perspectives on Tariffs
Christian interpretations of tariffs vary, reflecting differing emphases on free trade versus protectionism. Some argue that tariffs align with biblical principles by protecting national interests and ensuring fair trade, especially when other nations exploit cheap labor or ignore environmental standards. 
For instance, one perspective highlights that Jesus' mention in Matthew 17:25 of kings taxing foreigners, not sons, supports using tariffs to safeguard domestic economies without burdening citizens directly. 
Others, however, may view tariffs as contrary to free trade, which they associate with biblical freedom and openness, potentially leading to economic isolation or conflict.

This diversity underscores the complexity of applying biblical principles to modern economic policies, requiring discernment and context-specific evaluation.

VIII. Real-Life Applications and Wisdom for Coping with Tariffs in 2025
Given the context of President Donald Trump's tariffs, assumed to be in effect or discussed in 2025, the following applications and wisdom, rooted in biblical principles, can guide Christian responses:

Understand and Evaluate the Policy: 
First, gain a clear understanding of the tariffs, including their purpose (e.g., protecting industries, negotiating trade deals) and their economic impact. 
This involves assessing whether they align with justice and fairness, as per Leviticus 19:35-36. 
For example, consider whether tariffs raise prices for consumers, affect job security, or strain international relations. 
Resources like economic analyses from Bible and Economics can provide insights.

Submit to Authority with Discernment: 
As Romans 13:1-7 instructs, respect the government's right to impose tariffs, recognizing them as part of its God-given role. 
However, this submission does not preclude advocating for change if policies are unjust, ensuring alignment with biblical ethics.

Consider the Impact on Neighbors: 
Evaluate how tariffs affect both domestic and international communities. For instance, domestic workers might benefit from job protection, but consumers could face higher costs for imported goods. Internationally, tariffs might harm trading partners, potentially leading to retaliation. 
Matthew 22:39 calls for loving neighbors, suggesting efforts to mitigate negative impacts, such as supporting fair trade initiatives.

Support the Vulnerable: 
If tariffs lead to job losses or economic hardship, Christians can respond through charity, community support, or advocacy. Psalm 82:4's call to deliver the needy can inspire actions like donating to aid organizations or volunteering in affected communities, ensuring the vulnerable are not disproportionately burdened.

Pray for Wisdom and Guidance: 
Seek God's wisdom in personal and collective responses, as James 1:5 (NKJV) encourages, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." This might include praying for discernment in financial decisions, such as budgeting for higher prices, or for guidance in civic engagement.

IX. Conclusion
In summary, the Bible provides specific references to tariffs in Ezra 4:13 and Matthew 17:25, and broader principles like submission to authority, justice, and love for neighbor, which guide Christian responses to tariffs. 

For coping with America’s proposed tariffs in 2025, Christians can evaluate their fairness, support the vulnerable, pray for wisdom, and advocate for just policies, ensuring alignment with biblical ethics. 

This comprehensive approach balances theological insights with practical wisdom, addressing both personal and communal dimensions.

X. A Prayer for America’s Proposed Tariffs and Their Global Impact

Almighty God,
You are the Creator of all nations and the Sustainer of the world through Your divine providence. We come before You today with humble hearts, seeking Your wisdom and guidance as America considers new tariffs that will not only shape our land but also ripple across the globe.  
We are reminded of Your Word in Ezra 4:13, where those opposing the rebuilding of Jerusalem warned the king, saying, "Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the walls set up again, then will they not pay toll, tribute, and custom, and so thou shalt endamage the revenue of the kings." 
Lord, just as economic decisions in ancient times affected kingdoms and peoples, we see that today’s tariffs could influence the livelihoods of many, both here and abroad. 
We ask for Your insight into these matters, that our policies may promote prosperity rather than strife.

Your Scripture teaches us in Romans 13:1-7 that all authority is established by You, and we are called to honor those who govern. 
Yet, we pray that our leaders exercise this authority with justice and care, mindful of their responsibility to serve the greater good. 
Grant them discernment to weigh the consequences of these tariffs, ensuring they align with Your will for order and fairness in our world.
We also turn to Leviticus 19:35-36, where You command, "Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in meteyard, in weight, or in measure. Just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin, shall ye have." 
Father, may our nation uphold honesty and integrity in trade and commerce. Let these tariffs, if enacted, reflect fair standards that honor You and do not exploit or burden others unjustly.

Lord, we lift up the poor and the needy, as You instruct in Psalm 82:4: "Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked." 
We pray that these economic policies do not crush those already struggling but instead create opportunities for all to thrive. 
Protect the vulnerable, both within our borders and beyond, from any hardship these changes might bring.
Above all, we hold fast to Your commandment in Matthew 22:39, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." Help us to see the faces of our global neighbors in every decision we make. May our actions reflect a spirit of love and cooperation, fostering goodwill among nations rather than division.

Finally, we recall Matthew 17:25, where Your Son, though free from obligation, paid the temple tax to avoid offense. Teach us, O Lord, to balance justice with humility, to seek peace and unity even as we pursue our nation’s interests. Let us trust in Your sovereign hand over all earthly powers.
Guide America, O God, in these times of economic uncertainty. 
Bless our leaders with wisdom, our policies with fairness, and our world with compassion. 
May Your will be done in our economy as it is in heaven.  

In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.