Another matter: “Much livestock” – this is what the verse said: “The heart of the wise is to his right, and the heart of the fool is to his left” (Ecclesiastes 10:2). “The heart of the wise is to his right” – this is the good inclination, which is situated to his right. “And the heart of the fool is to his left” – this is the evil inclination, which is situated to his left. Another matter: “The heart of the wise is to his right” (Ecclesiastes 10:2) – these are the righteous, who devote their hearts to the Torah, which is to the right, as it is stated: “From His right, a fiery law to them” (Deuteronomy 33:2).
“And the heart of the fool is to his left” (Ecclesiastes 10:2) – these are the wicked, who devote their hearts to becoming wealthy, as it is stated: “On its left, wealth and honor” (Proverbs 3:16). Another matter: “The heart of the wise is to his right” (Ecclesiastes 10:2) – this is Moses. “And the heart of the fool is to his left” (Ecclesiastes 10:2) – these are the children of Reuben and the children of Gad, who rendered the primary secondary and the secondary primary, as they valued their property more than lives.
They said to Moses: “We will build sheep enclosures for our livestock here, and cities for our children” (Numbers 32:16). Moses said to them: ‘That is inappropriate; rather, render the primary primary and the secondary secondary. First, “build cities for you for your children” (Numbers 32:24), and then, “and enclosures for your flocks”’ (Numbers 32:24). That is, “the heart of the wise is to his right” – this is Moses.
“And the heart of the fool is to his left” – these are the children of Reuben and the children of Gad. The Holy One blessed be He said to them: You valued your livestock more than lives. As you live, there will be no blessing in it. In their regard it is stated: “An estate seized hastily at the start, its end will not be blessed” (Proverbs 20:21).
Likewise it says, “Do not weary yourself to become rich; based on your discerning, cease” (Proverbs 23:4). But who is wealthy? It is one who rejoices in his share, as it is stated: “When you eat of the labor of your hands, you are happy and it is good for you” (Psalms 128:2).