DEUT1596 The desire for money binds a person to this world and places the shackles of labor and [the pursuit] of business upon him, as it says (Koheles 5:9): "One who loves silver will never be satisfied by silver." This distracts him from the service of the Eternal. Many prayers go to waste and many mitzvos are forgotten due to excessive involvement in business and the toil [invested] in large-scale enterprise. This becomes even more [relevant] regarding the learning of Torah. The Sages of blessed memory have already stated (Eruvin 55a): "'It is not across the sea' [this verse] means that [Torah does not reside] in those who travel across the sea for business." And we have learned (Pirkei Avos 2:6): "He who excessively invests in business will not become wise." It [the desire for money] exposes him to many dangers, and piles of worries that sap his strength, [and this can happen] even to a very successful person. And accordingly we learned (ibid. 2:7): "Increasing one's possessions [only] increases one's worries." It is this [situation] which often leads one to violate the mitzvos of the Torah – and the norms of common sense, as well.