Happy the one who doesn’t go after gold!

The rich man toils to increase his wealth and then sits back and lives in luxury; the poor man toils to survive and is in want as soon as leaves off.

He who loves gold cannot be righteous; whoever runs after gain will be lead astray. Many have been ruined because of gold; disgrace went to meet them.

Gold is a snare for those who are possessed by love of it. The senseless will be caught in it.

Happy is the rich man who has not sinned in this way and has not gone after gold! Who is he? Let us say; Fortunate man! for he has given a wonderful example.

Who has been tested in this and found perfect? He has reason to be proud. Who could have sinned but resisted; who could have done wrong and did not do it? His fortune is firmly established and the assembly will acknowledge his generosity.