Abundance versus sufficiency

I clearly recall one evening some years ago, when we had a very interesting guest for dinner. He was prim and proper, turning down my offer of seconds with the statement, “Thank you, but I have had an abundant sufficiency.” We were amused by the phrase. It may have described the food on the table accurately indeed. But on analysis, the expression is evidently an oxymoron. Abundance implies a state of plentifulness, while leaving room for more. Sufficiency, on the other hand, focuses on having just enough, without the need for anything extra. 

This contradiction becomes apparent in an exchange cited in this week’s parsha, where we find estranged brothers Esav and Yaakov meeting after more than three decades of separation. At the news that his twin was coming to greet him with an army of 400 men, a terrified Yaakov prepares to defend his family, prays, and sends a huge offering of gifts in the hope of appeasing him. 

After the fateful face-off, Esav questions the lavish offerings of livestock that were just delivered to him. He attempts to return the gifts to his brother with the words, “I have plenty.” To which Yaakov retorts, “G‑d has favoured me, and I have everything.” At his insistence, Esav eventually accepts the presents. Esav’s attempt to reciprocate is, however, met with a firm and definite refusal by Yaakov. 

In this conversation, the difference between plenty and everything is glaringly obvious. It isn’t clear which of the brothers has more possessions than the other. But we do know who is satisfied with his lot – the definition of rich in Ethics of the Fathers (4:1). 

Saying, “I have plenty” leaves room and appetite for additional accumulation of material goods. It implies, I have a lot, but I will be happier if I have even more. I may, in fact, be unhappy with my current state of affairs. In the words of the sages (Kohelet Rabbah 1): “One who has 100 wants 200; and he who has 200 wants 400.” 

We, however, are disciples of Yaakov, who declares, “I have everything.” It may not be a lot, but my needs are met, and I’m not obsessing over more. He has inculcated in us the attribute of satisfaction – the blessing of feeling truly wealthy by being content with our lot. 

The juxtaposition of Yaakov’s and Esav’s respective material self-assessment illustrates so beautifully the difference between abundance and sufficiency. We need to make every effort to emulate the example of our noble ancestor. 

In return, may Hashem bless us with sufficient abundance.