| There was once a ladder consisting of ten identical rungs. Despite their equal size and shape, the rung at the very top became consumed by vanity. Looking down with a sneer at those beneath it, the top rung boasted, "Observe my position! I have been chosen to stand above you all. My height is proof of my inherent superiority and importance!"
A passerby, overhearing this arrogant display, decided to teach the ladder a lesson in reality. He reached out and simply flipped the ladder upside down. In an instant, the boastful top rung plummeted to the dirt, becoming the lowest point of the structure, while the humble bottom rung was suddenly elevated to the peak.
Witnessing its sudden downfall, the formerly arrogant rung was crushed by regret. Meanwhile, the rung now perched at the top took the lesson to heart; it remained steadfast in its humility, knowing that its position was not a result of its own power, but merely the way the ladder was currently held.
The Meaning: The Wheel of Fortune
The Ben Ish Chai explains that this ladder represents the fluctuating dynamics of wealth and status. From our limited, earthly perspective, it often feels as though money is a product of our own brilliance, effort, or luck. In truth, every cent is a Divine decree. HaShem alone holds the ladder of history, deciding who will rise and who will fall. Wealth is not a trophy of superiority; it is a deposit entrusted to us by the King.
The Moral: Humility as a Shield
Wealth is like a rotating wheel. The sages teach that if one is blessed with riches, the surest way to retain that blessing is through humility and the recognition that "it is He who gives you the strength to achieve wealth" (Devarim 8:18). Arrogance invites a "reversal of the ladder," while humility preserves the blessing.
Today's Takeaway - If you are blessed with prosperity: Guard your heart against the "Top Rung Syndrome." Remind yourself daily that you are a steward of HaShem’s resources. Use your position to lift others, acknowledging that the Hand that gave can just as easily rotate the ladder.
- If you are facing financial struggle: Internalize the fact that your current status is a specific decree from Heaven for your growth. Do not look up with envy, for the ladder is always in motion.
- The Goal: Live with the realization that your value is not defined by which rung you stand on, but by how you serve the One who holds the ladder.
____________________________________________
Life Advice – עצת חיים
You are welcome to ask any question and receive a personal, private response from Rabbi Zvi Miller.
Please email: salantorg@gmail.com | 
