Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.
– Proverbs 10:2
[T]he first phrase refers to wealth gotten through immoral or unethical means. Worldly wealth is always a temporary possession no matter how it is acquired (Proverbs 23:5). Such wealth can do no more than provide some temporary enjoyment. It cannot deliver (Psalm 49:6-10). The contrast is with true righteousness. The word indicates a just and upright life. Wisdom knows the true righteousness is found in Jesus Christ alone (Philippians 3:9) and it leads to true life, eternal life (Romans 5:21).