Midrasch zu Jeschijahu 48:10

Elijah said to Ben Hei Hei, according to others to R. Elazar: "What is the meaning of the bassage (Is. 48, 10) Behold, I have refined thee, though not as silver: I have approved thee in the furnace of affliction. Infer from this that the Holy One, praised be He! investigated all the merits, whether they will be adapted to Israel and He found no better merit than could benefit Israel than poverty." Samuel, and according to others R. Joseph said: "This is what people say: 'Poverty becomes Israel asa red line does a white horse.'"

This is what God said to Israel: My children what do I seek from you? I seek no more than that you love one another, and honor one another, and that you have awe for one another