Rabbi Zusha of Anipoli was extremely poor. Near his home lived a wealthy Jew who was also know for his great hospitali-ty. The man took pity on the tzaddik's family and decided to set aside a special place in his home for the family's lodging. From that day onward, the man saw re-markable blessing in all his endeavors.
One day, someone said, "would it not be better if instead of hosting Rabbi Zusha, you would bring a great rosh yeshiva (head of a yeshiva) into your home? Then your reward would be even greater." The man, in his simplicity, accepted the sug-gestion and informed Rabbi Zusha that he no longer had room for him in his home.
From that very moment, his fortune began to decline. He went to Rabbi Zusha to ask for his forgiveness. The tzaddik said to him, "in my heart, I have no complaint against you at all. However, from the mo-ment you began scrutinizing the worthi-ness of your guests, Heaven also began scrutinizing you..."