There are ten strong things in the world:

Rock is strong, but iron breaks it.

Iron is strong, but fire melts it.

Fire is strong, but water extinguishes it.

Water is strong, but the clouds carry it.

The clouds are strong, but the wind drives them.

The wind is strong, but man withstands it.

Man is strong, but fear weakens him.

Fear is strong, but wine removes it.

Wine is strong, but sleep overcomes it.

Sleep is strong, but death stands over it.

What is stronger than death?

Acts of generosity (tzedaka), for it is written,

"Tzedaka delivers from death" (Prov. 10:2)

Talmud (Bava Batra 10a)