The Yalkut Shimoni cites a Midrash from which we can derive a valuable lesson. The story is recounted that Rabbi Chiya bar Abba was crying when he heard that Rabbi Yochanan had sold all his possessions in order to be able to study Torah. He was concerned that nothing had been put aside for Rabbi Yochanan’s old age, when he would have no source of, or ability to earn, an income. Rabbi Yochanan assuaged Rabbi Chiya by saying that it was well worth it, since he had exchanged earthly possessions — which were created in six days — for Torah…
