Skeptics often cite Jesus' command to the rich young ruler to "Sell all you have and distribute the proceeds to the poor" as evidence that he endorsed wealth redistribution or exorbitant taxes.

However, wealth was a grave hindrance to his [the rich young ruler's] entry into the Kingdom. Jesus did not give such advice to other wealthy persons -- Zacchaeus, Nicodemus, or even Mary Magdalene. Not all have problems with the temptation wealth causes. It is as Jesus said: if your right eye or right hand keeps you from going to heaven, pluck it out. Some people take that advice to the young man as though it were universal and not to one person, just as they mistakenly think he literally meant to pluck an eye out.