Earning Honestly in a G-d-Directed World

While the Torah does not encourage excessive worry about money, we are still obligated to make an effort to earn a living through honest work. In truth, G-d is the one who provides a person with everything they need materially. However, in order to give human beings a challenge and an opportunity to grow through self-effort, G-d "hides Himself" and leaves room for people to labor with their own hands.

Still, the outcome of one's work and its financial gain depends entirely on what is ideal for each individual, according to G-d's plan. The wealthier person is not necessarily smarter or harder-working, but someone who simply needs more resources to fulfill their unique purpose. The seemingly unfair reality that some people have money without effort, while others struggle and remain poor, is because G-d gives each person exactly what they need for their personal mission in life.

It is therefore essential to understand that a person’s financial status is not random, but determined solely by G-d. Once you internalize this, you stop worrying about your current or future finances. You remember that whatever you earn will always be what is best for you, as G-d has decided, and earning more or less than that would not serve your true benefit. Trusting that G-d will always provide what you truly need allows for a calmer life, and provides mental space to reflect on what really matters.

Unfortunately, we know many people who have turned their lives into a never-ending chase for money, leading to a life devoid of true meaning.

It is not only worry over money that can derail us from our true goals, but any misplaced ambition can lead to a wasted life- whether it's amassing wealth, traveling to as many countries as possible, or becoming a great artist. Every misguided goal distracts a person from other aspects of life, and the unique mission G-d has given them.

If we become aware that what we earn is predetermined by G-d, while how we earn it is up to us, it becomes crystal clear that honesty is truly the greatest virtue.

From the book "Dan's Journey for the Meaning of Life," by Roni Dayan.