The Blessing of HaShem Brings Wealth \ Ben Ish Hai
Once a good man was making his way home late at night. As he passed the home of a wealthy widow he noticed her door was ajar. He peeked inside and saw a cash box on the table. Temptation took hold of him and he could not resist this chance. He slipped inside and opened the box. It was filled with gold coins.
The clamor that he made awakened the widow, but she didn't make a peep because she feared the thief might hurt her. As he was about to steal the gold, he remembered a Torah principle that he had recently learned: It is impossible to take money that HaShem has decreed for another person. He reflected, "If this money is meant for me, why should I steal it? And if it is not meant for me, it is of no avail to steal it!"
He left all the money and ran out of the house. The widow breathed a sigh of relief when she heard him leave. She was pleasantly surprised to find that nothing was missing!
The next morning she went to the Beit Midrash. She told the Rabbi about the intruder and said, "Rabbi, I am ready to get married. Who can you suggest?"
The Rabbi surveyed his students and said, "Do you see that man studying over there? He fears Heaven and will make a fine husband for you!"
It was the very same man who convinced himself not to steal! Now the money would legally come into his possession. He would merit to keep it because it came with HaShem's blessing!
Let us be inspired to always do the right thing. Everything that we receive in this world is a gift from HaShem. If we avoid taking money that is not rightfully ours, then HaShem will bless in this world as well as in the World to Come!
(Based on Moshol V'Nimshol)
