Why be jealous of richness and money?

Today I listened to a guy who is spending his life helping people. For the moment he is prioritizing his family and his two small sons, since his wife is studying. He happened to mention that he couldn't help being a bit jealous of one of his old friends who had chosen a career within business and now possessed several houses, a lot of money together with his wife and children (that he hardly ever had time to meet). I told him he shouldn't be jealous, that I had a feeling that he probably would end up happier than his friend would be.

To make other people jealous might be an important goal for him, since it makes him feel more successful and proud of himself. But there is a risk that his friend will wake up one day and ask himself why he has been prioritizing to get all that money and have all those houses, when they don't bring him any happiness.

Of course there was someone listening who objected and pointed out that it was just my opinion. Yes, it is my opinion and my experience.

I'm so surprised that people haven't realized that money gives security, but sometimes a false security. Money gives freedom, but sometimes an imaginary freedom. Money is nice to have, but too much money surely doesn't bring any happiness, so walking around and dreaming about lots and lots of money is just a wast of dreaming. At least for us, not being poor.

For the moment I'm quite to happy to have enough money to live a good life, but I would still rather live in a cabin with someone I love instead of in a castle with someone I hate, if I had to choose. But of course, that's just me.