Wealth and time can be means of righteous action. Honesty in lawful earnings, caring for dependents, helping others, repaying debts, and protecting rights are all matters for which people are responsible.
Example 1: Someone uses income to support dependents fairly and repays a debt on time. Wealth has become a means of good conduct.
Example 2: Another person accumulates property for status but neglects obligations. Possessions alone do not guarantee a good outcome.
The present verbs فَيَرْجِعُ (“returns”) and وَيَبْقَى (“remains”) express the striking contrast between what ends and what endures.