“Eizehu ashir hasamei’ach b’chelko – Who is rich? He who is happy with his lot”
Ben Zoma alludes to a wealthy man – an ashir. Why doesn’t he continue the mishnah with “He who is content with his money”?
The Medrash Chachamim suggests an interesting analysis of the word “ashir”. He says that the letter eiyin stands for einiyim -- eyes; the letter shin stands for shinayim -- teeth; the letter yud is for yadayim -- hands; and the reish stands for raglayim – feet.
One who is blessed with the use of the different parts of his body for mitzvos and maasim tovim is indeed rich. He has eyes to learn Torah and to look at others favorably. His teeth/mouth should be devoted to eating kosher food and speaking well of others. His hands are to be employed in the disbursement of tzedakah and to help others in need; and his feet enable him to go to shul and yeshiva.
