How do we know that the soul is more valuable than the world?

The assertion that the soul is more valuable than the world is firmly rooted in Jesus' teaching in Matthew 16:26. The soul is described as the real 'you'—distinct from the physical body, which is temporal and subject to decay. While everything in the world is transient and will eventually perish, the soul is eternal and carries significant weight in God's grand plan of salvation.

To illustrate this further, we can reference the wisdom of Ecclesiastes, where Solomon declares the futility of chasing after worldly things, deeming them 'vanity of vanities.' He explored every pleasure and possession, ultimately recognizing that true fulfillment cannot be found in the temporal. This mirrors the teaching that focusing solely on material wealth and success is a path fraught with risk—leading one away from the eternal purposes of God. Therefore, the soul's value is seen in its eternal destination, which makes it infinitely more precious than any earthly gain.