Luke 12:15-21

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 12:20

But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee. The literal rendering of the Greek here is more solemn and impressive in its awful vagueness: This night they require thy soul of thee. Who are meant by they ? Most likely the angels: not necessarily "avenging," as Trench would suggest; simply those angels whose special function it was to conduct the souls of the departed to their own place. So we read in the parable of Lazarus and Dives how angels... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 12:20

Sudden death. The parable which Jesus Christ delivered in rebuke of covetousness puts in striking and even startling form the facts on which God's providence requires us to look. For we know— I. THAT SUDDEN DEATH IS AN EVENT WHICH MAY OCCUR TO ANY ONE OF US . Human science has done much for us; and much in the direction of preserving and prolonging life. It has given to us a considerable knowledge of disease, and therefore an increased sense of danger. But... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 12:21

And is not rich toward God; better rendered, if he is not. And this slight change helps us, too, in drawing the right lesson. The being rich is never condemned by Jesus Christ; nor even the growing richer. Among the saints of God in both Testaments are many notable rich men, whose possessions seem to have helped rather than hindered their journey to the city of God. The lesson which lies on the forefront of this parable-story is the especial danger which riches ever bring of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 12:21

"Rich toward God." Jesus Christ is here drawing a contrast between the inward and the abiding on the one hand, and the outward and the perishing on the other hand. When he disparages the act of "laying up treasure for ourselves," he does not mean to say either I. A WEALTH OF RIGHT FEELING TOWARD GOD . There are certain thoughts and feelings which every intelligent being ought to cherish toward his Creator, in the absence of which he himself is poor, and in the presence of... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 12:15

Beware of covetousness - One of these brothers, no doubt, was guilty of this sin; and our Saviour, as was his custom, took occasion to warn his disciples of its danger.Covetousness - An unlawful desire of the property of another; also a desire of gain or riches beyond what is necessary for our wants. It is a violation of the tenth commandment Exodus 20:17, and is expressly called idolatry Colossians 3:5. Compare, also, Ephesians 5:3, and Hebrews 13:5.A man’s life - The word “life” is sometimes... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 12:16

A parable - See the notes at Matthew 13:3.Plentifully - His land was fertile, and produced even beyond his expectations, and beyond what he had provided for. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 12:17

He thought within himself - He reasoned or inquired. He was anxious and perplexed. Riches increase thought and perplexity. Indeed, this is almost their only effect - to engross the thoughts and steal the heart away from better things, in order to take care of the useless wealth.No room - Everything was full.To bestow - To place, to hoard, to collect.My fruits - Our word “fruits” is not applied to “grain;” but the Greek word is applied to all the produce of the earth - not only “fruit,” but also... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 12:18

I will pull down my barns - The word “barns” here, properly means, “granaries,” or places exclusively designed to put wheat, barley, etc. They were commonly made, by the ancients, “underground,” where grain could be kept a long time more safe from thieves and from vermin. If it be asked why he did not let the old ones remain and build new ones, it may be answered that it would be easier to “enlarge” those already excavated in the earth than to dig new ones. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 12:19

Much goods - Much property. Enough to last a long while, so that there is no need of anxiety or labor.Take thine ease - Be free from care about the future. Have no anxiety about coming to want.Eat, drink, and be merry - This was just the doctrine of the ancient Epicureans and atheists, and it is, alas! too often the doctrine of those who are rich. They think that all that is valuable in life is to eat, and drink, and be cheerful or merry. Hence, their chief anxiety is to obtain the “delicacies... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 12:20

Thou fool - If there is any supreme folly, it is this. As though riches could prolong life, or avert for a moment the approach of pain and death.This night ... - What an awful sentence to a man who, as he thought, had got just ready to live and enjoy himself! In a single moment all his hopes were blasted, and his soul summoned to the bar of his long-forgotten God. So, many are surprised as suddenly and as unprepared. They are snatched from their pleasures, and hurried to a world where there is... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 12:20

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 12:20

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 12:21

The Pulpit Commentary - Luke 12:21

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 12:15

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 12:16

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 12:17

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 12:18

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 12:19

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Luke 12:20

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