תהלים, פרק מ״ט, פסוק כ׳

A life dedicated entirely to the pursuit of material wealth ultimately ends in a profound, eternal loss and a complete disconnection from Divine illumination. When the life of a wealthy but wicked individual comes to a close, his earthly glory fades away. His soul descends into the afterlife, destined to join the souls of ancestors who were equally wicked and lacking in wisdom, sharing in their ultimate ruin [רד״ק, אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Alternatively, this destiny can be understood from the perspective of an outside observer. As an onlooker completes his own years and passes on, or as he deeply reflects on the fate of those who chase after money, he will eventually witness the ancestors of the wicked facing judgment and eternal loss [רש״י, מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם]. A completely different approach focuses instead on the poor but righteous individual. Through the suffering and poverty endured in this world, the soul of the righteous person is elevated to tremendous spiritual heights. It ascends to the same elevated place as the ancestors of the wealthy righteous, and even surpasses them [אלשיך].

The ultimate consequence of a wicked life is an existence completely devoid of light. This light represents eternal life, the reward of the World to Come, and the profound joy of a soul experiencing the radiance of God—a presence the wicked will never be allowed to see [רד״ק, אבן עזרא, מצודת דוד]. In sharp contrast, for the righteous who suffered, this light represents a spiritual realm so exalted and vast that even earlier righteous ancestors cannot fully perceive it. Yet, the righteous person who endured earthly hardship will merit reaching that very light [אלשיך].