92. But riches themselves are not
blameable. For “the ransom of a man’s life are his
riches,” Prov. xiii. 8. since he
that gives to the poor redeems his soul. Probably a
reference to Dan. iv.
27 [LXX.]. So that even in these material
riches there is place for virtue. You are like steersmen in the
vast sea. If a man steers his course well, he quickly passes over
the sea so as to attain to the port, but one who knows not how to
direct his property is drowned together with his freight. And so
it is written: “The wealth of rich men is a most strong
city.” Prov. x. 15.