Luke 12:16

A parable. For the parable teaching of Jesus and for principles governing their interpretation see pp. 203-207. This parable, reported only by Luke, illustrates the principle stated in verse 15, that material “things” are not the most important goal in life (see also on Matthew 19:16-22). This parable might well be given the title “The Folly of a Life Devoted to the Acquisition of Riches.”

The ground. Man buries the seed in the soil and cares for it the best he can, but it is God who makes the seed grow (see on Mark 4:26-29). Whatever man may contribute to the process of growth, it is God who gives the increase (see 1 Corinthians 3:6, 7). It is God who sends the sunshine and the rain (see on Matthew 5:45) and blesses man’s efforts with “fruitful seasons” (see Acts 14:17). Before Israel entered into the Promised Land God warned them not to forget that it is He who gives man the “power to get wealth” (see Deuteronomy 8:11-18). Yet man has ever been prone to take credit to himself for what God gives him, saying in his heart, “My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:17). Fatal deception! He whose heart is not thankful toward God will become “vain” in his “imaginations” and his “foolish heart” will be “darkened” (see Romans 1:21). Wise in his own conceit, he makes himself a fool in the eyes of God (see Romans 1:22). If he persists in such a course, he ultimately dismisses God from his thoughts completely and gives himself up to the pursuit of material happiness and physical pleasure (see Romans 1:23-32). He becomes a lover of pleasure more than a lover of God (2 Timothy 3:4).