What is greater than god, more evil than the devil. The poor have it, while the Rich need it. If you eat it you die!

This classic brain teaser cleverly plays on our understanding of abstract concepts and the power of language. When pondering what could be "greater than God," the logical conclusion is that no entity or idea surpasses the divine, thus "nothing" is greater. The same applies to the notion of something being "more evil than the Devil" – the absolute absence of such a thing fits the description.

The riddle continues by observing that the impoverished often "have nothing" in terms of material wealth, while the affluent, possessing much, frequently "need nothing" more, or perhaps aspire to "need for nothing." Finally, the grim consequence of "eating it" leading to death highlights that consuming absolutely nothing results in starvation. Each line, when interpreted through the lens of an absence, consistently points to the same surprising yet perfectly logical answer.

Riddles of this nature have a rich history across cultures, serving as a form of intellectual entertainment and a test of wit. They encourage us to think laterally, challenging our assumptions and pushing us beyond literal interpretations. From ancient myths featuring creatures like the Sphinx, who posed riddles with life-or-death stakes, to modern-day brain teasers, these linguistic puzzles sharpen our minds and remind us of the subtle complexities hidden within everyday words.