Financial Failing, Spiritual Success
At the end of one year, a man turned to me bitterly, crying, “Honored Rav, why was this past year so bad for me? I observed Torah and mitzvot and withstood difficult tests admirably. Why, then, did my livelihood suffer, and why were my possessions confiscated?”
“Why do you assert that it was a bad year?” I asked, uncomprehending. “You stand before me, whole and healthy. Is that not proof of a good year? Many young people passed away this year, yet you and your family are alive! Is goodness measured only by financial success?!”
The man remained silent, so I continued. “Did you forget all the times that Hashem saved you and your family’s lives? Maybe monetary achievement would have been tainted by the Hand of Justice, due to some iniquity on your part. Then you might have suffered illness, or, G-d forbid, death!
“Open your eyes to the tremendous kindness which Hashem has granted you. He has switched loss of life with loss of finances. Is this what you call a bad year? Your statement is nothing but an indication of ingratitude toward Hashem!”
Baruch Hashem, my words made their mark. The man learned to recognize Hashem’s tremendous goodness toward him. He values the fact that Hashem cast His anger upon inanimate objects and keeps his family alive and healthy.
