One who trusts God is not hampered in his trust by great wealth because he does not rely on it. He sees it as a reserve he has been commanded to make use of under certain specific and temporary circumstances. He does not become arrogant if he remains wealthy, he never reminds anyone he gave money to what he did for him and he never asks compliment for his gratitude. Instead he thanks his Creator for having made him an agent to His kindness.
[Yaakov Feldman translation]
Suggested Discussion Questions:
1. What is the relationship to money this text puts forth?
2. In what way is the behavior of the wealthy person described here different than that of wealthy nations today?
3. How can we learn about foreign assistance reform from this text?
Time Period: Medieval (Geonim through the 16th Century)