[A deity asked]: “What is good until old age? What is good when established? What is a treasure for humans? What cannot be stolen by thieves?”

[The Blessed One]: “Virtue is good until old age. Faith is good when established. Wisdom is a treasure for humans. Merit is what thieves cannot steal.”

Related Teachings:

Verses on Ageing (Snp 4.6) - The Buddha is advising through these verses that are deep in meaning and worth reflecting to pursue security, safety and peace found through enlightenment rather than hoping to find it in possessions or in a beloved, for all things in world are impermanent.

Life ebbs away, its span is short (SN 1.3) - The Buddha is sharing to drop the world’s bait as one’s life span is short.

Intoxicated with Vanity of Youth, Health and Life (AN 3.31) - In this teaching, the Buddha recounts his delicate bringing up, and warns on the three intoxications: of youth, health, and life.