The Pleasure of Your Own Money

One who does not work for his money cannot experience the full enjoyment of the money he spends. Dovid Hamelech says in Tehillim:

“When you eat the labor of your hands you are praiseworthy…” (Tehilim 128:2) translation via Artscroll

When you actually work for a living, you have a new sense of appreciation for the money you have earned than if it was just handed to you. The money represents something you created, something you had to accomplish, a rewarding experience for the meaningful effort you put into it.

Learning can never be rewarded with money – it is far too precious to be measured in dollars and cents. But work on the other hand, is rewarded with money. The goal of work is to earn a living and provide for your needs. When a man accomplishes that goal, he feels fulfilled, and then he is truly able to appreciate the money that he rightfully spends.

Why do rich people, who have more money than they can ever dream of spending, keep almost all of it to themselves? Does it matter if they die with $10 million or $100 million? Why not give it away to those who can use it?

Perhaps they don’t won’t to give away something they have a greater appreciation for to someone who doesn’t share that level of appreciation. A lazy poor man sees money as a means of getting what he wants. A rich man, who worked hard for his money, sees money as a reward for his effort. I wouldn’t want to give away something I value to a person I know doesn’t value it.

Working is not evil. It instills a sense of accomplishment and gratification. If you work and earn some money, go ahead and enjoy it. You deserve it, after all – you worked for it.

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Filed Under: Inspiration

Tags: accomplish • rich • work