The sages told a parable about a man who had three friends. The first friend he loved above all others and showered with gifts. The second friend he respected but kept at a distance. The third friend he barely noticed at all.
One day, the man was summoned before the king on a grave charge. Terrified, he went to his first friend — the one he loved most — and begged for help. "Come with me to the court," he pleaded. "Speak on my behalf." The first friend refused. "I cannot help you," he said. "I have my own affairs to attend to." The man was devastated.
He went to his second friend and made the same plea. This friend was more sympathetic. "I will walk with you to the door of the palace," the second friend said, "but I cannot go inside. I cannot face the king." Better than nothing, but not enough.
In desperation, the man went to his third friend — the one he had neglected for years. To his astonishment, the third friend immediately agreed. "I will not only come with you," he said, "I will stand before the king and speak on your behalf. I will not rest until you are acquitted."
The rabbis explained the parable. The first friend is money — the thing people love most in this life. At the hour of death, money cannot follow you. The second friend is family — they will accompany you to the grave but no further. The third friend is your good deeds and your Torah learning. Neglected in life, they are the only companions that enter the heavenly court with you and argue your case before God.