For Question #3, I want to focus on a specific perspective that some of you touched on in your response to Question #2. What role does pride and arrogance play in God's blessing (or lack of blessing) in personal wealth?

Consider Deuteronomy 8:3: "(God) humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna... that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD." Also Proverbs 30:8-9- (paraphrased): "(God), give me not riches... lest I be full, and deny Thee, and say, 'Who is the LORD?'"

Who does the typical person credit with their successes and wealth in life?

In America (where there are many prideful people -- to the point of glorifying self-pride as a positive character trait), we have a saying, "God helps those who help themselves." Do you believe this? If not, who does God help?