Discourse concerning Riches

The generous man may attain to perfection although he possess not gold.

Dost think that if a mean man became a Korah his sordid nature would be changed?

If he who trades in liberality obtain not bread, his nature remains yet rich.

Generosity is the soil, and riches the seed that is sown; give, that the root may not be destitute of a branch.

Exert not thyself in the amassing of wealth, for evil is the smell of stagnant water; strive, rather, to be generous, for running water becomes a flood.

The miser who falls from position and wealth but seldom stands a second time upon his feet.

If thou be a precious jewel,[30] grieve not, for Time will not pass thee by; it is the brickbat by the wayside that goes unheeded. Shavings of gold that fall from the scissors are searched for with a candle.