The trial of being rich is much more than that of being poor, as it leads to many prohibitions and evils, and needs extra care and guarding not to become haughty, to answer with impudence or to humiliate a poor man at the door. He must not block his ears from listening to the cries of a poor man. Instead, he should surely listen to hi cry and open his hand generously to him, and give him all that he is lacking.
His hand should be open to support those who learn Torah, and to fortify “weak knees” (those who are finding things difficult). He should support those who are falling by giving them loans with favor and kindness, and increase good deeds with the blessings of Hashem which He has given to him.
He should not spend his money on emptiness and nothing. Instead, his money should be for him to perform the will of his Creator and to acquire for himself the life in the next world. He should give much donations in private in a way that the receiver is not embarrassed. He should not seek greatness nor desire honor, nor should he consider himself a good person for having given away his money, as he is only a trustee for the poor people, and gives the poor person that which rightfully belongs to him. He is only the messenger of Hashem to give that money, and he will receive reward for it as it will be considered a good deed for him, to the extent that in actual fact the poor person is doing more kindness for the rich person (as he will merit much good) than the rich man is doing for the person. He should make subdued people happy with kind words. The saying of Chazal that one who gives charity receives six blessings and that one who comforts him with words receives eleven blessings is well-known. He should consider that this is his portion from all of his work which he sends before him as fulfilling the commandments is a candle and the Torah is light, he should enjoy it and his soul will enjoy itself in the pastures.
