Bombmaniac (and sacrilige who seems to agree)
I never said that wealthy people have to live like paupers. And it is really beautiful when they give tzeddakah and support our mosdos. At the same time, there must be a balance!
I am thinking of a few people whom I personally know. They are very wealthy, they do have large houses and they drive niceish, newish cars. They dress nicely and always look good. But if I had to pick out the richest person in the room, I most definitely would not pick them, although their bank statements will undoubtedly prove that they actually are the most wealthy. This is because they are not out to prove anything. They don’t have to wear $1,000 designer shoes just to prove they could afford it.
And sacrilige-
I am not claiming that I don’t enjoy a successful shopping trip. But I get the most pleasure when I find great deals, and see how much I’ve saved by waiting for the sale, or shopping in the outlet. That is a far better feeling than coming home with something that I can’t afford.