A person could have sat idle and the decree would still be fulfilled, were it not that a penalty was first laid upon all mankind: “By the sweat of your brow you shall eat bread” (Bereishis 3:19). Therefore a person is obligated to make some effort for the sake of his livelihood, for so the Supreme King decreed.

It is like a tax that the whole human race pays, from which there is no escape. Therefore [Chazal] said (Sifrei): I might think [one will see a sign of blessing] even when sitting idle; therefore the pasuk says, “In all the work of your hand that you do” (Devarim 28:20).

But it is not that the effort is what helps; rather, the effort is required. Once he has made the effort, he has fulfilled his obligation, and there is already room for the blessing of Heaven to rest on him, and he need not spend his days in toil and effort. This is what David HaMelech, alav hashalom, said, “For not from the east and from the west, and not [from the desert comes greatness]; for G-d is the Judge, [He lowers one and raises another]” (Tehillim 75:7–8). And Shlomo HaMelech, alav hashalom, said, “Do not toil to become rich; cease from your own understanding” (Mishlei 23:4).

Rather, the true way is the way of the early chassidim: they made their Torah primary and their work secondary, and both endured in their hands. For once a person has done some work, from then on he has only to trust in his Maker and not to grieve over any worldly matter. Then his mind will remain free, and his heart ready for true chassidus and wholehearted service.