Where large sums of money are concerned, it is advisable to

In the words of Agatha Christie, the immortal seer of mysteries, we find this stern counsel: “Where large sums of money are concerned, it is advisable to trust nobody.” These are not idle syllables cast into the wind, but a warning forged in the fire of human frailty. For money, that glittering idol of men, has ever stirred the shadows in the human soul. Where small matters are at stake, one may appeal to kindness or honor; but when gold towers high and fortune sits upon the scales, even the truest friend may falter, and the loyal heart may grow cold.

The origin of this wisdom lies not merely in Christie’s fiction, but in the long testimony of mankind. Across the ages, when riches have lain heavy upon the table, trust has withered like a flower scorched by flame. The ancients themselves spoke of this peril. Did not Hesiod warn that greed corrupts the bonds of kinship? Did not Cicero proclaim that money has broken more friendships than swords? Christie’s words are but the modern echo of this ancient cry, a reminder that wealth summons both admiration and betrayal, and that the hands that grasp at it may strike down their companions.

Consider the tragic tale of the Roman general Crassus, richest of his age. In his lust for more, he trusted in allies whose loyalty was only as firm as the coin in their purse. He gathered armies not bound by duty but by payment, and in the deserts of Parthia he fell, abandoned and humiliated. His great wealth could not shield him, for money cannot purchase fidelity when temptation whispers louder than honor. The downfall of Crassus is a testament to Christie’s warning: where treasure glitters, loyalty grows frail.

And yet the lesson is not confined to the ancient world. In our own time, one may recall the great stock market crashes, where men trusted in partners and advisers who, under the press of fortune, betrayed their word. Friends were ruined, families sundered, reputations destroyed. Those who placed their faith blindly in the hands of others found that greed is a wolf that devours promises. Trust, in matters of wealth, is fragile as glass, and once shattered, it cannot be mended.

But take not from these words the counsel of despair. Christie does not say, “Trust none in all things.” She says, “Trust nobody where large sums of money are concerned.” This is no call to coldness in the human spirit, but rather a summons to prudence. Love, compassion, and friendship may rule the hearth; but in dealings where gold and fortune sway, let reason be your shield. Trust, yes—but verify. Give faith, but guard it with wisdom.

What then, O seeker of wisdom, is the path forward? First, place not temptation in the path of those you love; do not burden your dearest bonds with disputes of wealth. Second, in matters of finance, let contracts, records, and agreements stand as guardians where friendship alone cannot suffice. Third, let your eyes be clear: discern whether the loyalty shown to you springs from love of your person, or from hunger for your purse.

Thus, the teaching of Agatha Christie stands as both warning and lamp. Where money reigns, let trust be tempered with caution, for the heart of man is easily swayed. Yet beyond gold, beyond wealth, beyond all measure of treasure, stand the things incorruptible—honor, virtue, and truth. These are riches that no betrayal can steal, and these are the treasures worthy of trust. Let us then walk with open eyes, guarding our fortunes, but giving freely of the wealth that thieves cannot touch: the wealth of spirit, the wealth of love, the wealth of wisdom.

So remember, O child of tomorrow: where large sums of money are concerned, build walls of prudence; but where the eternal treasures of the soul are concerned, fling wide the gates. For gold will rust and men may betray, but truth abides forever.