The True Purpose of Wealth: Lessons on Giving

We all know that moment: a knock at the door, a message on WhatsApp, an unexpected phone call. Someone needs help. Sometimes it is a small amount of money, sometimes a request for a loan, and sometimes just the need to know that someone is there to rely on.

In that instant, familiar thoughts arise: maybe I will need the money myself soon, who guarantees it will be repaid, what will people at home say, perhaps it is better to save it for an emergency.

It is precisely from these very human and everyday places that the Chafetz Chaim, in his book Ahavat Chesed, teaches us a different perspective on money, responsibility, and the role that God has entrusted to us. It is a wise, grounded, and heartfelt invitation to turn kindness from a vague ideal into a steady and practical way of life, one that does not depend on mood or pressure, but on a quiet decision made in advance.

As he writes: “It is proper for a person whom God has blessed with success in his work to set aside a portion of his money for acts of kindness in his home. This brings great benefit in many ways.”

The Chafetz Chaim lists five advantages to setting aside a fixed amount for acts of kindness:

1. Overcoming Inner Resistance

One of the main reasons to designate a fixed amount for giving is the constant resistance of the yetzer hara, which places obstacles in the way of generosity. Each time an opportunity arises to help, doubts appear: maybe now is not the right time, maybe the money will be needed later, maybe the request is not trustworthy.

Even when a person genuinely wants to give, family members may question the situation, warn of being deceived, or discourage the act.

However, when money has already been set aside specifically for kindness, this inner struggle is greatly reduced. The funds are already designated, and there is no need to wrestle with hesitation or justification each time. Giving becomes easier, more consistent, and more thoughtful.

2. A Continuous Mitzvah

When a person sets aside money for acts of kindness, the mitzvah is no longer dependent solely on them. Members of the household can fulfill it on their behalf, even when the person is busy, traveling, or asleep.

Moreover, this practice becomes a living example for others, teaching them how to act with generosity in a consistent and structured way. In this way, a person not only performs kindness themselves, but inspires others to do the same.

3. True Wealth Is a Good Name

The Chafetz Chaim teaches that a person’s true value is not measured by wealth, but by a good name earned through charity and kindness.

A person may possess great wealth, but if it is not used for good, it ultimately has no lasting value. In fact, one will be held accountable for not using their resources in accordance with the will of the One who entrusted them.

Wealth beyond one’s needs is not absolute ownership, but a deposit from God. A person is appointed as a caretaker, responsible for supporting those in need. Just as a father may entrust one child with resources to care for the others, so too the wealthy are entrusted to provide for the poor.

4. Do Not Fear Loss

The Chafetz Chaim adds that a person should not become discouraged if, at times, financial loss results from their commitment to giving.

In any business, losses occasionally occur. Yet people continue because, overall, the enterprise is worthwhile. The same applies to acts of kindness. One should not focus on isolated losses, but on the greater good.

It is wise to set aside a fixed yearly amount for giving. Then, even if some loss occurs, it will not cause distress, just as one does not regret money spent on other mitzvot.

5. Loss as Part of a Greater Plan

The Sages teach that not only a person’s income is determined from Heaven, but also their losses. This does not mean a person must suffer loss, but that some form of cleansing is necessary, as no person is completely free of wrongdoing.

In His mercy, God may replace harsher suffering with financial loss. Fortunate is the person whose loss comes through a mitzvah, such as charity and kindness. In this way, they both fulfill a commandment and elevate its value by giving of their own resources.

Moreover, such loss is temporary. Ultimately, it is repaid with blessing many times over.

A Higher Perspective on Wealth

The money a person holds is not merely a means of survival. It is a mission.

The Torah and the Sages teach that surplus wealth is not purely personal property, but a trust from God, given so that a person may act with kindness, compassion, and responsibility.

It is specifically consistency in giving, even in small amounts, that overcomes inner resistance, shapes a person’s character, increases merit, and earns a good name that surpasses any wealth.

Even when there is occasional loss, it is part of a greater spiritual accounting, where loss becomes merit, hardship is reduced, and blessing ultimately returns in greater measure.

Fortunate is the one who chooses to act wisely from the beginning, to open both their home and their heart to those in need, and to transform their wealth from a source of worry into a source of blessing and lasting purpose.