The following quotations from the writings of Baha'u'llah shed light on the subject:

Ye must give forth goodly and wondrous fruits, that ye yourselves and others may profit therefrom. Thus it is incumbent on everyone to engage in crafts and professions, for therein lies the secret of wealth, O

Men of understanding.

If the eyes are turned towards mercy, forsake the things that profit thee, and cleave unto that which will profit mankind. And if thine eyes, be turned towards justice, choose thou for thy neighbor that which thou choosest for thyself.

Today, because of the lack of reciprocity and harmonious relations, some members of society are satisfied, living in great comfort and luxury, while others are in want of food and shelter. Some of enormously rich, and others live utmost poverty.

The laws of society must be formulated and enforced in such a way that a few can't amass inordinate wealth and for others to be destitute. This does not mean that all must be equal, for differences in degree and capacity are inherent to creation. But the deplorable overabundance of wealth accompanied by demoralizing poverty can be abolished. If it is right for a capitalist to possess a fortune, it is equally just that the workers should have a sufficient means of existence. When we see extreme poverty, somewhere we shall find tyranny.

The structure of the human body and its functioning is a deeper education for humanity to unravel the principle of mutual support and assistance.

Right from infancy we are nurtured and taken care of by our parents and loved ones. This is a clear indication that the central essence of life is to be of service to one another and humanity as a whole.

We are going to explore a different theme today which is one element of generosity that the society is informed about though on a shallow level.

You are in this together. So it's in both your interests to help the other one out if they are struggling that's what we do when the person we love is in trouble. That doesn't mean you give them your support, your time, your energy, your care, share the bed, the living quarters, the holidays, the meals, the chores, the children, and then draw a line when it comes to money. Nope, I'm afraid it covers money too.

Why so many people do this is beyond me. They are generous with everything else in their life, but they keep a tight hold on their wallet, even when their partner is concerned. Now, look. If you have more money than your partner, you need to pay more bills. And more of the treats. More of everything. End of story.

And no counting it all, totting it all up. No one is interested in how much you have spent on your partner, so don't waste your time. Don't try to remember what they spent on you back in the days when they earned more, or calculate how much of your earnings goes on them. Nobody cares. Because it doesn't matter. It's only money. Yep, necessary to get you to a certain point that is already covered if there is any spare to share round but beyond that, it is much less important than your relationship. Isn't it? If not, maybe you should live as a hermit and spend your days worrying about your investments, and curl up at night in your lonely bed with a pillow stuffed with banknotes.

I'm not saying that you shouldn't have savings or pensions or all that stuff. And I'm not saying you are obliged to underwrite your partner's gambling addiction. I'm talking about money to spare. If you have more of it than do, then you pay for the cinema or the meal out or the holiday or treat them to something they want and can't afford for themselves. Or give them a tenner to tide them over until their pay comes through at the end of the week.

Blessed is he who prefers his brother before himself.

No goodly deed was or will ever be lost, for benevolent acts are treasures preserved with God for the benefit of those who act.

Take heed not to outstrip the bounds of moderation, and be numbered among the extravagant.

From the Writing of Baha'u'llah