What advice did St. Clement of Alexandria give about wealth in A Discourse Concerning the Salvation of Rich Men?

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In his work A Discourse Concerning the Salvation of Rich Men, St. Clement of Alexandria addressed the concerns of Christians who interpreted the command to "sell what you have and give to the poor" literally.

Clement argued that wealth is a neutral factor. He maintained that possessions should be viewed as instruments that can be used for either good or evil purposes. Consequently, he taught that the Word does not require the renunciation of property, but rather that one should manage their wealth without developing an inordinate affection for it.1