Our tradition teaches that wealth, valor, and wisdom are not inherently good or bad – it's how we use them that truly matters.

Shemot Rabbah (31) delves into this very question, drawing lessons from biblical figures to illustrate the profound impact of our choices. It begins by referencing Exodus 22:24, "If you lend money to My people," and then quotes Ecclesiastes 5:12-13: "There is a grave evil that I have seen under the sun: Wealth kept for its owner to his detriment. That wealth is lost in an ill-fated matter." Pretty strong stuff, right?

The text suggests that God tests both the wealthy and the poor. The wealthy are tested on their generosity, and the poor on their ability to endure suffering without succumbing to anger. It reminds me of the teaching in Isaiah 58:7, "And bring the wretched [merudim] poor to your home." The word merudim, the Matnot Kehuna explains, implies one who is lowly [yarud] – contrite and humble. Are we able to see the humanity in others, no matter their station?

If the wealthy person withstands the test and gives generously, they benefit in this world and secure their place in the World to Come, escaping Gehenna (hell). As Psalm 41:2 says, "Happy is one who attends to the indigent; the Lord will deliver him in times of trouble." And if the poor person remains steadfast and doesn't rebel against their circumstances, they will receive a double portion in the future, just like Job, as we learn in Job 42:10: "The Lord added to Job double of everything that he had."

But what about the miserly rich? Shemot Rabbah warns that their wealth will be lost, because, as Psalm 75:8 reminds us, "it is God who is the Judge; He humbles this one and elevates that one." There's a "rotating wheel" in the world, it says, a constant shifting of fortunes. What we have today isn't guaranteed tomorrow.

The text then gives us examples. Remember Korah, who, according to the text, was wealthier than all of Israel? And Haman, who boasted of his riches? Their wealth brought them only destruction. Numbers 16:33 tells us Korah and his followers "descended alive into the abyss," and Esther 9:25 recounts how Haman and his sons were hanged. On the other hand, Jehoshaphat, who had abundant wealth and honor (II Chronicles 18:1), cried out to God in times of trouble, and "the Lord aided him" (II Chronicles 18:31).

The same principle applies to valor and wisdom. David's valor endeared him to all of Israel (I Samuel 18:16), while Goliath's boasting led to his demise (I Samuel 17:51). Joshua's wisdom nourished the entire nation, and he, in turn, directed praise to Moses (Deuteronomy 34:9). But Bilaam's wisdom, used for his own ends, ultimately led to his death (Numbers 31:8).

As we find in Midrash Rabbah, the key isn't the possession of wealth, valor, or wisdom, but rather how we wield these gifts. Are we using them to benefit ourselves alone, or are we contributing to the well-being of others? Are we humble in our success, and resilient in our struggles?

So, the next time you find yourself blessed with abundance – whatever form that abundance may take – remember the lessons of Shemot Rabbah. Use your gifts wisely, generously, and with a humble heart. Because in the end, it's not what we have, but what we do with it that truly defines us.