on living simply.

the rich usually imagine that, if they do not physically rob the poor, they are committing no sin. but the sin of the rich consists in not sharing their wealth with the poor. in fact, the rich person who keeps all his wealth for himself is committing a form of robbery. the reason is that in truth all wealth comes from God, and so belongs to everyone equally. the proof of this is all around us. look at the succulent fruits which the trees and the bushes produce. look at the fertile soil which yields each year such an abundant harvest. look at the sweet grapes on the vines, which gives us wine to drink. the rich may claim that they own many fields in which fruits and grain grow; but it is God who causes seeds to sprout and mature. the duty of the rich is to share the harvest of their fields with all who work in them and with all in need.

saint john chrysostom, on living simply