The Hidden Strength of Poverty: A Jewish Perspective on Wealth, Suffering, and Spiritual Growth

The Talmudic Sages teach that the test of wealth is far more difficult than the test of poverty. The greatest virtue that draws a person close to their Creator is a broken heart, as it says: “God is close to the broken-hearted.” How distant is the wealthy businessman from a broken heart, and how close is the poor person, or one who has lost their wealth, to such humility. All his pride and arrogance dissolve, and he becomes beloved by God.

Of course, this is only if the person knows how to utilize their hardship for good, and does not rebel against their suffering.

Poverty also serves as a profound atonement for sins. As the Talmud (Shemot Rabbah 31:11) states, “Place all sufferings on one side of the scale and poverty on the other — poverty outweighs them all.” Through this, a person is purified and cleansed of their transgressions. Poverty also grants a person more time to engage in Torah study, perform mitzvot, and fulfill their life’s mission — unlike the wealthy individual, who is often consumed by the endless pursuit of business and money.

Regarding the sense of disgrace that a person may feel from others due to poverty or financial decline, he must remember that human standards of honor are not the same as God’s. While people may honor the wealthy and belittle the poor, in the eyes of the Almighty, it is often the opposite. True value is measured by spiritual stature, not material success.

There Is No Such Thing as "Nature" or "Chance"

Even a person who conducted themselves with righteousness and piety during their time of wealth should not despair when that wealth is taken from them. The Chofetz Chaim explained that just as a student moves from one subject to the next to complete their studies, so too God moves a person through different tests. If you have already passed the test of wealth, God now wishes to refine you through the test of poverty, so that you may become spiritually complete.

Everything depends on a person's unique soul and its rectifications through various life cycles. One who lives with faith and trust, knowing that God directs every detail of their life and that there is no randomness in the world, is truly the happiest person alive.

In the end of days, the Tikkunei Zohar teaches that Israel will repent, and God will exchange the death decrees that they deserve due to their sins for the suffering of poverty instead. Through this, they will be saved from harsher bodily and spiritual afflictions. 

Rabbi Simcha Zissel's Unshakable Calm

Once, Rabbi Simcha Zissel of Kelm (the "Sabba of Kelm") extended his Amidah (standing) prayer for a long time. Meanwhile, a person who needed his help came and waited, but eventually lost patience and left. When Rabbi Simcha Zissel completed his prayer, they told him about the visitor. He calmly responded, “If he truly needs me, he will return. And if he came for my benefit, then I have no regret, for either way, what is destined for me will come to me. If it was truly good for me, it would not have been withheld — his impatience is a sign that it wasn’t meant for me.”