How did St. Clement of Alexandria believe Christians should use their possessions?

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St. Clement of Alexandria addressed the concerns of wealthy Christians who struggled with the literal interpretation of the command to "sell what you have and give to the poor." In his work A Discourse Concerning the Salvation of Rich Men, he argued that wealth is a neutral factor rather than an inherent evil.1

Clement taught that possessions should be viewed as instruments that can be used for either good or evil. He emphasized that the Christian is not commanded to renounce property entirely, but rather to manage it without "inordinate affection." Regarding almsgiving, his guidance was nuanced: he cautioned against being overly judgmental or "niggardly" when giving to those in need, yet he also suggested that aid should be dispensed with discernment to ensure resources reach the truly needy rather than those who are merely freeloading.1