Who is the Rich Man That Shall Be Saved?[1]

By Clement of Alexandria

I. People who praise & flatter the rich are rightly judged as despicable men-pleasers, but they are also godless and treacherous. They are godless, because neglecting to praise and glorify God, they heap divine honors upon men who live detestable lifestyles and who, as a result, are subject to the condemnation of God. They are treacherous, because even though wealth alone can puff up & corrupt the souls of its possessors and turn them aside from the path of salvation, these flattering men-pleasers stupefy the rich even more by inflating their minds with the pleasures of extravagant praises, and by making them utterly despise all things except wealth—on account of which they are admired. Praising the rich brings fire to fire, pours pride upon pride, and adds conceit to wealth—thus adding a heavier burden to that which is already by nature a weight, a portion of which should rather be removed and taken away as being a dangerous & deadly disease. Because for those who exalt and magnify themselves, a change and downfall to a low condition will surely follow just as the Scriptures teach. Therefore, it appears to me to be far kinder—rather than to hatefully flatter the rich and praise them for what is bad—to aid the rich in working out their salvation in every possible way. We should ask for God’s assistance with this, who will surely and sweetly help His own children. Whosoever attains to the truth in this matter and obtains this grace and thus distinguishes himself in good works shall gain the prize of everlasting life.