Money can be a big yetzer hara (temptation) — not just in the pursuit of earning it but even in the way we talk about it. It’s easy to comment on the success of others, attributing their wealth to family connections, a lucky break, or a well-timed investment. This kind of talk can shift our focus away from a crucial reality: all success ultimately comes from Hashem.

For some people, financial success feels like a product of their own hard work and strength. But others understand that wealth, like all blessings, comes only from Hashem. And with this understanding comes the realization that, ultimately, we don’t need to rely on anything but Him. When we internalize that Hashem is the true source of our livelihood, worry and doubt fall away.

Avraham Avinu, our forefather, modeled this principle to an incredible degree. After the battle with the kings, the king of Sedom offered Avraham the riches from the war. Avraham refused, famously saying he would not take “a thread or a shoelace” so that no one could say it was Sedom’s wealth that made Avraham rich. He wanted the world to recognize that his prosperity came solely from Hashem. Avraham’s trust in Hashem was so deep that he preferred to turn down material gain rather than risk anyone thinking his success was due to anyone but Hashem.

This teaches us that it’s not only important to know that Hashem provides for us, but also to avoid situations where others might see our success as coming from any other source. May we all strive to strengthen our bitachon (trust) and recognize that true blessing, security, and success come from Hashem alone.

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