«غِنَى النَّفْسْ هُوَّ الْغِنَى الْكَامِلْ»

The saying holds that a self at ease with what it has, free from endless craving, possesses the only wealth that is truly complete. It sets this inner sufficiency against material holdings, which may be abundant while the owner still feels deprived. Measured by possessions alone, a person's riches therefore remain partial.

The wording also serves as a caution against judging people by their property. Outward appearance can mislead, since a wealthy person may be inwardly poor and a person of modest means may be inwardly rich. The saying thus shifts the measure of a person from external holdings to inner condition.

Use this saying when talk turns to money, status, or envy, reminding listeners that contentment outweighs possessions. It suits advice to a friend who measures himself against richer people. As a general maxim, it is no verdict on anyone's finances; said to someone in real hardship, it may sound dismissive.