“I have tried you in the furnace of affliction [poverty]” (Is. 48:10)
The poverty depresses only the spirit of those who are delighted with riches, or glory in their substance.
Therefore, the Wise Man is not saddened by poverty.
The reason for this is his constancy of mind.
He says, therefore: “I do not fear poverty, because I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.”
For nothing so well demonstrates the mind of a perfect Wise Man as knowing how to make use of every state in which he finds himself.
For just as a good leader in any army is the one who acts as circumstances require, so he is Wise who knows how to make the best of his state: if he is in lofty state, he is not lifted up; if in the lowest state, he is not dejected.
Therefore the Wise Man says, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content…
If I have a little, it is enough; if I have much, I know how to be moderate.”
Let us think and act as the Wise Man teaches us and we will experience the reward of peaceful life.
