The loss of upright people may also mean the loss of their examples in teaching, justice, worship, trust, and kindness. Their benefit can be preserved through responsible instruction and continued good practice.
Example: After a reliable teacher or principled community elder dies, people can preserve verified lessons and continue useful services. Inventing impressive stories about them is not necessary.
The phrase الْأَوَّلُ فَالْأَوَّلُ—one after another—reminds us not to delay learning from sound examples.