Our Gemara on Amud Beis recounts the story of a person in dire financial straits who devised a plan to improve his situation, only for unforeseen circumstances to derail it. Reflecting on this, the Gemara uses the aphorism: “Poverty follows the impoverished person.”

Similarly, in Bava Kamma 92a, the sages observe a poignant inequality: wealthy individuals who brought their first fruits to the Temple in gold and silver baskets were permitted to take the baskets home, while poorer individuals who used simple wicker baskets were required to leave them behind. Here too, the Gemara remarks on how poverty seems to perpetuate itself, echoing the sentiment of the secular saying: “The rich get richer, and the poor get poorer.”

Psychological and Spiritual Roots of Poverty

In his Likkutei Halachos (Laws of Collecting Loans 3; Laws of Passover 6), Rabbi Nachman of Breslov offers an explanation for the persistent cycle of poverty. He identifies its root cause as a deficiency in wisdom and a spiritual distortion stemming from a lack of justice (mishpat). However, mishpat here is understood broadly—not merely as fairness in legal or business matters but as an inner sense of balance, self-honesty, and character alignment.

According to Rabbi Nachman, helping the impoverished is more than an act of temporary relief. It is a profound rectification of the imbalance and distortion in the world. By aiding others, we contribute to restoring fairness and balance, which can, in turn, help repair the internal disarray within the person who is impoverished.

The Psychological Perspective

Modern psychology provides insights into how poverty becomes a self-reinforcing cycle. Studies show that financial hardship fosters short-term thinking and impulsivity. When survival becomes the primary concern, long-term planning and rational decision-making often take a back seat.

For example:

•A person struggling to make ends meet might rely on high-interest credit cards to cover sudden expenses. The resulting debt, compounded by exorbitant interest rates, traps them in a cycle of financial instability.

•Wealthier individuals, by contrast, often borrow strategically, such as taking out mortgages or business loans that yield long-term returns.

Beyond finances, poverty often brings chronic stress, poor health, and disrupted sleep—factors that impair cognitive functioning and decision-making. Good judgment frequently depends on subtle discernment, which is harder to achieve under the fog of exhaustion and anxiety.

Confidence also plays a key role. A wealthy person projects stability and optimism, which positively influences how others respond to them. This, in turn, reinforces their persistence and resilience in overcoming challenges. For the impoverished, low self-esteem and constant setbacks can erode patience, confidence, and the ability to persist in the face of difficulties.

A State of Mind

The lesson here is that poverty is not solely defined by material lack; it is also a state of mind. An “empty belly”—whether it stems from physical hunger, emotional starvation for love, or spiritual disconnection—makes it harder to think beyond immediate needs and make sound long-term decisions.

In our own lives, we can strive to cultivate a mindset of abundance—emotionally, spiritually, and materially. Whether we are rich or poor, our choices, attitudes, and willingness to help others can create a virtuous cycle of fairness, balance, and ultimately, redemption.

Translations Courtesy of Sefaria, except when, sometimes, I disagree with the translation

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