A cordial or a poison
As wit and fine parts cannot be only trifled away but will expose those who have them to greater follies, so money cannot be only trifled away. But if it is not used according to reason and religion, it will make people live a more silly and extravagant life than they would have done without it. If therefore you do not spend your money in doing good to others, you must spend it to the hurt of yourself. You act like one who refuses the cordial to his sick friend, which he cannot drink himself without inflaming his blood. For this is the case of superfluous money. If you give it to those who want it, it is a cordial. If you spend it upon yourself in something that you do not want, it only inflames and disorders your mind.
1771 text
“As wit and fine parts cannot be only trifled away, but will expose those that have them to greater follies: so money cannot be only trifled away, but if it is not used according to reason and religion, will make people live a more silly and extravagant life, than they would have done without it: if therefore you do not spend your money in doing good to others, you must spend it to the hurt of yourself. You act like one that refuses the cordial to his sick friend, which he cannot drink himself without inflaming his blood. For this is the case of superfluous money; if you give it to those who want it, it is a cordial. If you spend it upon yourself in something that you do not want, it only inflames and disorders your mind.”