The Gemara (Sanhedrin 92A) states: “Anyone who has intelligence will end up getting rich.” The Maharsha asks that it is stated (Koheles 9:11) that wise men do not become wealthy. He answers by citing the Gemara (Niddah 70B) that says that the residents of Alexandria asked Rav Yehoshua what a person can do to become rich. He answered that one should engage in commerce and be honest in business. They told him that many people had tried this and had not been successful. He answered, “Instead, one should pray for mercy to the One who owns all wealth.”
Accordingly, the Gemara’s intent is that if one has intelligence, he will realize that engaging in business cannot create wealth and he must daven to Hashem. Once he does this, he will merit to become rich.
