Why do people prefer material riches over spiritual wealth?

The reason why people prefer material riches over spiritual wealth is because they believe that happiness lies there.
When one sees and reads through numerous social media platforms on how those with materialistic riches are living and enjoying their wealthy lifestyle, one starts to dream of pursuing a similar living style.

However, only if one were to investigate whether happiness really lies in the materialistic riches, one will find that the reality is far from the truth; happiness may be experienced, but it lasts only for a while. It is never for long and never everlasting.

Material wealth does bring temporary happiness, but it is always followed by unhappiness for one reason or another.
The world considers money and wealth to be one of the most important things in life. But this love towards money will disappear when a person develops a love for their spiritual wealth.

Following are some important spiritual principles which help instil in us the right understanding regarding material riches and spiritual wealth:
Do not obstruct money if it comes your way but do not go digging for it if it does not. Money will come when it is destined to come to you, and it will leave when it is time for it to leave.

Pursuing wealth and prosperity does not mean that money comes in quickly, for money is dependent on our karmic account.The more one chases wealth, the farther it moves.
One must work hard and honestly to earn money, but not become overly greedy for wealth.

Wealth comes into our life if we have integrity and purity at home and work, when one never cheats, lies or robs others. When one pursues spiritual wealth and dedicates their life to it, materialistic comforts will naturally flow in by-production.

What is spiritual wealth?
Spiritual wealth comes from within. True spiritual wealth is something that happens within us naturally without depending on anything or anyone. It comes from your inner contentment, inner happiness, and spiritual Self— things that you can have at all times.
When you find the balance between spiritual wealth and material wealth, that is where the magic lies.
Param Pujya Dada Bhagwan explains, “No one can live without support from the material world. But, after getting the support from one’s own Soul, one doesn’t need the support from the material world. He then becomes independent. True independence is the prevalence of ‘I am certainly free’ amidst any kind of effects (be it the karmic effect of being surrounded by worldly luxuries or the effect of being deprived of the worldly luxuries)!”

To know ‘who am I’ is the essential answer to spirituality.
Ultimately, when we acquire Self-realisation, we attain the real knowledge that makes us aware of ‘who am I’. This marks the beginning of spirituality.

Awareness of the eternal is bliss! Nothing in this world can affect the one who lives with the pure applied awareness of the Self. And this is exactly what spiritual science leads and guides to; it enables you to live a balanced and happy life by fulfilling worldly life whilst developing spiritually!

To know more : https://www.dadabhagwan.org/self-realization/