Sudden Wealth

The “Duties of the Heart” speaks about a situation where Hashem bestows great wealth on an individual. Great wealth in this world serves one of three purposes.

It can come as a blessing granted by the Creator. It can be as a trial and test; or as a punishment and stumbling block.

The sign that it is a blessing is that its possessor is too preoccupied with the fulfillment of his duties towards Hashem, rather than concern himself with his wealth. He spends his money doing Mitzvot and helping others. He never loses focus on G-d and acting in a way that is pleasing to Him.

The sign that wealth is sent as a trial and test, is that its owner is preoccupied with his concern to retain his money and increase it. He gets nothing out of his money but continual worry, and the headache of protecting it.

Wealth is a punishment and stumbling block when it is used strictly for one’s own pleasure and self gratification. He forgets that Hashem was his Benefactor and fails to realize that he owes a debt of gratitude to Him. His life becomes one of, “Eat,drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die.” His wealth has made him arrogant and haughty. He has lost his direction in this world. This is certainly a punishment.

This is an example of the sage advice given by our Rabbis. There are times when we need to be careful what we wish for. As long as we keep our closeness to Hashem as our top priority, we will not only be able to see wealth as a blessing, but we will recognize and appreciate all of the abundant blessings that we receive from Above.