The Secret to Wealth: Does Judaism Agree with the Power of Positive Thinking?

There's a theory referred to as "The Secret”, which claims that if a person focuses his thoughts on becoming wealthy, then he will become rich, because “everything follows thought.” Is this outlook compatible with Judaism, or does it contradict it?

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We must be very cautious when we see “spiritual” publications from non-Jews who are not committed to the way of Torah. As our sages taught: “Wisdom among the nations — believe it. Torah among the nations — do not believe it” (Eicha Rabbah 2:13).

The theory you describe is distorting concepts that truly exist in Judaism. One must therefore be wary of publications that advertise themselves with the word “Secret,” when their authors are from a secular or non-religious world and present supposed “spiritual principles” merely for appearance.

Judaism has taught us for thousands of years the real “secret.” The Talmud says (Yoma 38b): “He who comes to purify himself is assisted; he who comes to defile himself is given an opening.” Likewise (Shabbat 104a): “In the way a person wishes to go, he is led.” This means that if a person chooses evil, Heaven will provide him with the means to pursue it; and if he chooses good, Heaven will help him and bring mitzvot and good deeds his way. A wicked person may indeed enjoy wealth and fame in this world, because he desires materialism, and God allows people to realize the path they have chosen.

Regarding wealth specifically, our sages taught that a person’s livelihood is determined by God on Rosh Hashanah for the entire year. No one can earn more than what was decreed from Heaven — only the manner in which it comes (with ease or with difficulty) depends on one’s deeds and prayers throughout the year.

The Talmud (Niddah 70b) tells us that many students tried to make money through trade but failed despite their great effort and desire. Rabbi Chiyya explained to them: “Rather, pray for mercy to the One to whom wealth belongs.” No amount of thought, desire, or effort can guarantee wealth — only God alone decides if a person will have it. Human beings cannot create wealth by “power of thought.” Effort combined with sincere prayer can bear fruit, since God may decide to grant a person’s request. One must be careful what he prays for, as there are individuals who became rich but ultimately lost friends, family, and happiness.

Indeed, a person who asks for wealth and fame may indeed receive it, for “he who comes to defile himself is given an opening.” Sometimes God allows such people — often non-Jews without Torah, to achieve their desires, but not by the power of their thoughts or will. Rather, by their choice of path, God brings it into reality.

In contrast, Judaism teaches us that everything has a divine reason and poverty or suffering may be decreed for a person’s ultimate good. God can be compared to a surgeon who uses pain in this world as a tool to heal the soul, so that it may be pure in the World to Come. We must therefore face the trials sent from Heaven and serve God faithfully, even in suffering.

The Torah guides us (Deuteronomy 18:13): “Be wholehearted with the Lord your God.” Rashi explains: “Walk with Him in simplicity, trust in Him… Whatever happens to you, accept with simplicity, and then you will be with Him and His portion.”

Anyone who believes that there is another power in the world, such as “thought” or “will” that can create like God, is denying one of Judaism’s 13 Principles of Faith: “I believe with complete faith that the Creator, blessed be His Name, is the Creator and Ruler of all creation, and He alone made, makes, and will make all things.”

Everything comes from God, both the good and what seems bad to us. It is true that God gives great weight to our thoughts, will, and choices, and provides the righteous with opportunities to rise while giving the wicked paths to fall. And yet, man has no independent power; God alone is the true and only force behind all human action.

This is the true “secret” that the Torah revealed to us (Deuteronomy 30:15,19): “See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil… I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse; therefore choose life.”