Wealth & Money

"It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God." (Matthew 19:24) Jesus warned about the dangers of wealth. Not that money is bad in itself, but the attachment to it. "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Generosity, tithing and caring for the poor are Christian duties. Wealth is stewardship—we are stewards, not owners. Source ✤

"Wealth is not in the abundance of goods, but in the richness of the soul." (Hadith) Islam does not condemn wealth, but regulates its use. Riba (usury) is prohibited. Zakat purifies wealth. Honest trading is encouraged. Wealth is a test—it can lead to Paradise or Hell depending on the use. The search for halal sustenance (rizq) is an act of worship. Source ✤

"Artha (material prosperity) is one of the four legitimate goals of life." (Hindu tradition) Hinduism recognizes artha as one of the purusarthas (human goals), along with dharma, kama and moksha. Honest wealth supports the family and allows dana (giving). But detachment (vairagya) is necessary to not get lost in materialism. Lakshmi, goddess of prosperity, is worshiped, but Alakshmi (misfortune) warns of greed. Source ✤

"The root of suffering is greed." (Four Noble Truths) Buddhism teaches that attachment (tanha), including attachment to wealth, causes suffering. Dana (generosity) is the first perfection. However, the Buddha did not condemn laypeople for having wealth—he advised using it wisely. Poverty is not a virtue; the obsessive search for wealth is an obstacle. Source ✤

"The wise man does not value money, but he values ​​the right moment." (Zhuangzi) Taoism warns against excessive accumulation—it goes against the natural flow. "He who knows what is enough is rich." Confucianism accepts the pursuit of wealth if done with yi (righteousness). Harmony between prosperity and virtue is the ideal. Source ✤

"Oxum brings wealth, but axé needs to circulate." (Candomblé Tradition) Oxum, Orisha of fresh water and abundance, blesses those who honor her with prosperity. But in Candomblé and Umbanda, wealth must circulate—those who hold too much block their own axé. The terreiro works with contributions: ebós, parties, maintenance. The black elders of Umbanda teach simplicity and sharing. Ubuntu: the prosperity of one is the prosperity of all; the misery of one is the misery of all. Source ✤

In African Traditional Religions, wealth & money is framed as a path to purpose and perspective. The tradition encourages reflection on what truly matters, aligning daily choices with a larger meaning. The goal is to move from confusion to direction. Source ✤

"Kirat Karni: Earning an Honest Living by One's Work." (One of the three pillars) Sikhism prohibits living on alms. Sikhs must work honestly (kirat karni), share (vand chakko) and meditate (naam japna). Wealth earned ethically is respectable. Dasvandh (10%) must be donated. Work is service (seva) when done correctly. Source ✤

"The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and adds no pain." (Proverbs 10:22) Judaism views prosperity as a potential blessing, not evil. But it comes with responsibility. Tzedakah is obligation. Shabbat commands to stop seeking wealth one day a week. The prophets denounced exploitation of the poor. Business ethics (yosher) is a commandment. Source ✤

"Wealth is praiseworthy in the highest degree...provided it is acquired by honest labor." (Bahaullah) The Bahai Faith praises honest work as worship. Extremes of wealth and poverty must be eliminated. Huququllah (right of God) is mandatory contribution. Wealth must serve humanity. Begging is prohibited; work is mandatory. Source ✤

"A well-managed property is a blessing; greed is a curse." (Zoroastrian tradition) Zoroastrianism views prosperity as a blessing from Ahura Mazda when used correctly. Honest work pleases the gods. Charity is a duty. The Parsis are known for philanthropy—wealth should serve the community. Source ✤

In Ancient Egyptian Religion, wealth & money is framed as a path to purpose and perspective. The tradition encourages reflection on what truly matters, aligning daily choices with a larger meaning. The goal is to move from confusion to direction. Source ✤

In Sumerian Religion, wealth & money is framed as a path to purpose and perspective. The tradition encourages reflection on what truly matters, aligning daily choices with a larger meaning. The goal is to move from confusion to direction. Source ✤

"The generous man is blessed; the miser, abandoned by the gods." (Sumerian wisdom) The Sumerians believed that generosity attracted divine favor. Kings built temples and fed the poor to keep the gods satisfied. Prosperity came from the gods and should return in offerings. To accumulate selfishly was impiety. Source ✤

"I fed the hungry, I clothed the naked, I gave water to the thirsty." (Tomb autobiographies) The Egyptians recorded acts of generosity in their tombs as proof of a righteous life. Wealth was a blessing from the gods, but it came with responsibility. Pharaohs boasted about caring for the poor. Maat demanded distributive justice—hoarding while others starved violated the cosmic order. Source ✤