The Camel's Eye
-Good advice was once worth a camel. Now that it is free of charge, no one takes it-
Money talks. Wealth whispers. Whispers are silver. Silence is golden.
I strongly advise refraining from attempting to decipher the thickness of somebody's wallet. Money is a private affair. None of your business. None of mine.
If it's not free at the point of use, it's not charity. It's a sale.
Do not make deals with an adversary. Do not sign contracts blind. And deals between friends — poorly advised.
Charity is silent.
The cause of inequality is exclaiming who is needy and raising oneself onto a pedestal in the same breath. It's embarrassing. If you want to give, just give. And give you should, if you can.
When your brother is in need, ask only — how much? And give as you can.
When a stranger needs your change, turn out your pocket, reach deep, and give without counting. Better 5€ in their hand than a sandwich of your choosing. Restore dignity by granting autonomy. Their money, their choice.
Remember well: charity is an exercise in suffering.
It is harder for the rich man to get into heaven than for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle — because he so often feels glee instead of guilt, walking past the barefoot in expensive shoes.
He doesn't even notice the shoes.