The Instructor 3.7.38

“Let not almsgiving and faithfulness fail you,” says Scripture. See, we have Elijah the Tishbite as a fine example of frugality, when “he sat under the broom tree,” and the angel brought him food: “there was a barley cake and a jar of water.” Such a meal the Lord sent him. So we, journeying toward the truth, must be unencumbered. “Carry no purse,” said the Lord, “no bag, no sandals,” that is, do not acquire wealth treasured up only in a purse; do not fill your own barns, laying up seed as in a bag, but share with those in need; do not busy yourselves with beasts of burden and servants, who are figuratively called sandals, since they carry the loads of the rich on their journey. We must throw away the multitude of vessels, the silver and gold cups, and the crowd of servants, taking from the Instructor fine and dignified companions: working with one's own hands, and frugality. We must walk in harmony with the Word, even if one has a wife and children; a household that has learned to follow a self-controlled traveler is no burden.