Why Did G-d Create Rich and Poor People? Why Can't There Be Equality?

Are you wealthy? Your initial impulse to answer that question is likely to assess the size of your house, the number of cars in your driveway, and the contents of your bank account. In reality however, a person's wealth is measured not by what they have, but by what they lack- the less a person lacks, the wealthier they are. However, since lack is a subjective feeling, it can't be mathematically measured. It is known to us that Hashem determines a person's income and provides them with what they need in exact measure. Therefore, no person truly lacks anything. However, if someone feels they deserve more or is dissatisfied with their income, they will be classified among the less wealthy.

The Mishnah in Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers), states that a rich person is one who is happy with their portion. To illustrate this, we can observe two people entering a support center to request financial aid. The first arrives by car, seeking help to buy a new model because the one they drive is having problems. The second walks from a poor neighborhood, asking for a donkey to help carry goods. At first glance, the first person appears wealthier because he lives more comfortably, but in reality the second person is wealthier, because he needs less to meet his needs.

Being happy with our portion in material terms is a great privilege that brings much happiness. The very definition of happiness is to be content with life and the portion received.

Income Distribution

Hashem gives each person what is required for their life's purpose. All the money movement in the world—exchange rates, interest rates, inflation, even political decisions—are just tools in G-d's hands to make sure money ends up exactly where it’s meant to be. You can’t earn more than what’s truly meant for you. Even if someone steals from you, that money will eventually find its way back to you in some unexpected way, through a chain of events or financial shifts that only G-d can orchestrate.

What is Hashem's purpose in assigning a specific income to everyone, and why isn’t there income equality?

Economic disparity between people is an accepted reality in the Torah because the roles of the rich differ from those of the poor.

Often, the role of the rich is to undergo a test of generosity and humility- Hashem sent this soul to the world because it lacks these qualities. Thus, if the wealthy individual has given charity throughout life, acted with humility, was willing to sit with simpler people without arrogance, and knows that all possessions were given by Hashem, he has passed the test and fulfilled his mission.

Conversely, perhaps the role of the poor is to stand the test of satisfaction, being content with what was destined for them. If a person with little wealth is nonetheless happy and understands sufficiency without envying the richer, they too succeed in the test.

Divine wisdom created social differences as it created other issues, so that people can, with their own hands, correct what's wrong and strive to be worthy of participating in 'tikkun olam' (repair of the world).

Without the blatant flaws in our world, humans would have no role to play. The greatest gift one can receive is the opportunity to participate in Hashem’s plan by helping others. Thus, what appears as a social inequality is, in truth, the fruit of divine wisdom, meant to make us worthy of mitzvot. Poverty provides the wealthy with opportunities to give charity, because otherwise, money would have no meaning or spiritual value. The mitzvah of charity ensures that money not only sustains its owner but also holds significance and a place in the person's life plan.

From the book "Dan's Journey for the Meaning of Life" by Roni Dayan. To purchase the book on Hidabroot Shops, click here.