[obHQNsY2]

253. Sahl bin Sa`d As-Sa`idi (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man passed by the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), so he asked a man who was sitting near him, “What is your opinion about this man?” That man replied: “He is one of the noblest men. By Allah he is certainly a proper person for (a girl) being given in marriage if he seeks to marry, and his recommendation is fit to be accepted if he recommends”. Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) remained silent. Then another man passed. Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) enquired, “What is your opinion about this man?” He replied: “O Messenger of Allah, he is one of the poor Muslims. He is not a proper person (for a girl) to be given in marriage to, and his recommendation would not be accepted if he makes one; if he speaks, he is not to be listened to.” Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He is better than the former by earthfuls”.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

It is often revealed that the Prophet and his family were also poor and never ate wheat bread for more then 3 days, nor any roasted sheep, and retained a small amount of possessions.

Based on these proofs, would it be justified to conclude that seeking a life of poverty is greater then seeking a life of wealth and riches or at least living moderately?

[paypaltoegold1]

We should try to live moderately, some people being rich is a blessing, for some it is a curse, same with the poor. Poverty can lead to kufr for some people, for example those who leave Islam because Christian missionaries give them things.

[97dYA9L3]

Surely the best thing would be to get rich and use the money to help the poor? It's far harder to help others if you yourself are always in need of help.

[gopsbousperie]

It is not as if all of us can become rich even if we try. Most of us fail even after trying, especially if you try to live halal and do not use haram means. It is also easy to start out with good intentions but if one becomes wealthy it enters into the heart and we become attached to it.

[leijggeds]

Being rich or poor is not upto oneself.
One has to make the effort and Allah decides on the provisions one receives.

So, each person has his or her own unique situation and each one will be judged on how they react within their environment.