Is there a reason? Is there a divine purpose behind it?
Midrash Tehillim, a collection of homiletic interpretations of the Book of Psalms, grapples with this very issue, drawing on other texts to paint a fascinating picture. It's not a simple answer, of course. It rarely is when we’re talking about the big questions.
The verse from Proverbs (8:21), "To cause those who love me to inherit substance," is our jumping-off point. What does it really mean to "inherit substance"? Is it just about wealth?
Rabbi Chanina offers a compelling perspective, bringing in another verse from Proverbs (3:16): "In her left hand, riches and honor, and in her right hand, length of days." This is speaking of the Torah itself! The Torah offers both material reward and spiritual longevity. But notice something crucial: riches and honor are in the left hand.
So, what about those who dedicate their lives to Torah study and still find themselves struggling? Where's their inheritance?
Here, the Midrash offers a rather provocative idea. The Holy Spirit, so to speak, responds, clarifying that the "substance" inherited by those who love God may not always be material wealth in this world. Why? "So that they should not occupy themselves with frivolous matters and forget the Torah."
Think about that for a moment. The very thing we often strive for – financial security, ease of life – could actually be a distraction from what truly matters. The Midrash suggests that poverty, in some cases, can serve as a safeguard, preventing us from becoming too engrossed in the fleeting pleasures of this world and losing sight of our spiritual purpose.
It's a radical idea, isn't it?
The passage concludes with another verse from Proverbs (8:22): "The Lord acquired me as the beginning of His way." This refers to the Torah, personified as wisdom. It suggests that the Torah itself is the ultimate inheritance, the very foundation of God's path.
Now, this isn't to say that poverty is inherently virtuous, or that wealth is inherently evil. Not at all! The tradition is far more nuanced than that. But this passage from Midrash Tehillim offers a powerful reminder that true wealth extends far beyond the material realm. It challenges us to consider what we truly value and what we are willing to sacrifice in pursuit of it. It prompts us to ask ourselves, what are we really inheriting? What kind of "substance" are we building our lives upon?