The Clever Do Not Have Bread

A story from Kotzk:[1]

Once, a young Chassid—who saw himself as intelligent and flawless—complained to Reb Mendel of Kotzk that he is unable to find adequate livelihood.

Reb Mendel responded:

“Do you know the meaning of the verse (kohelet 9:11) “The wise do not have bread?”

“The simple meaning is that G-d tells those that consider themselves clever: ‘If you are so smart, figure out how to find income yourself!’”

[1] Reb Mendelie M’Kotzk (Ehrlich), Pg. 73