Luke 12:18
And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This rich man's plan isn't just about bigger barns; it's a complete self-centered worldview. He declares "my barns," "my grain," and "my goods," showing he sees no one else, not even God, in his grand design for material security. He's entirely focused on his own "good things," with absolutely no thought for the poor or anyone beyond himself.
Just before this, Jesus tells a parable about a rich fool who hoards his wealth, completely ignoring God and the fact that his life is fleeting. This verse is the rich man's proud declaration of his greedy plan to build even bigger storehouses for his abundant harvest, completely self-reliant and without any thought of eternity or sharing. His focus is solely on his own material possessions and future comfort, blinding him to his own mortality.
When faced with a sudden windfall, this man makes a swift decision. But did he pause to consider who gave him the ability to produce so much?
This rich man's plan is entirely his own. He says, 'I will do this,' and 'I will store,' and 'I will say to my soul.' Notice the repeated use of 'I.' His thoughts are centered on his own projects and his own comfort. He makes his plans without consulting God, without acknowledging God's sovereignty, and without seeking God's wisdom. This isn't just a small oversight; it's a fundamental problem of misplaced trust. All that he has, and all the resources he possesses, are gifts from God, yet he acts as if they are solely the product of his own effort and ingenuity.
This man's ambition is to build bigger barns. What does this reveal about where he found his ultimate value and security?
The man's focus is solely on accumulating more possessions. He sees his 'fruits' and 'goods' as his only 'good things.' His entire identity and sense of well-being are tied to what he owns and what he can store. The original words for 'goods' and 'produce' can refer to crops and material wealth. He plans to store 'all' of it for himself. There is no mention of sharing with the poor, no thought for God's kingdom, and no consideration for eternal value. His 'good things' are purely temporal and material, a stark contrast to the spiritual and eternal 'good things' God offers.
This passage mirrors the rich man's focus on earthly possessions and self-gratification, detailing Solomon's own pursuit of wealth and pleasure which ultimately proved meaningless.
Proverbs 27:23-24This proverb directly contrasts the fleeting nature of wealth with the enduring value of true sustenance, highlighting the folly of accumulating material goods without considering their ultimate purpose or duration.
Luke 12:20This verse immediately follows the parable and serves as God's direct response to the rich man's plan, powerfully demonstrating that his earthly provisions are worthless when his life is demanded back.
Matthew 6:19-21Jesus' teaching here directly challenges the rich man's earthly focus by urging believers to store up treasures in heaven, contrasting the security of eternal riches with the vulnerability of earthly wealth.
Luke 16:19-25The parable of the rich man and Lazarus presents a stark picture of what happens when earthly wealth is hoarded, showing the rich man's regret and the eternal consequences of neglecting the poor.
jfbLuke 12:13-53: "And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me."
Lu 12:13-53. Covetousness—Watchfulness—Superiority to Earthly Ties.13. Master, &c.—that is, "Great Preacher of righteousness, help; there is need of Thee in this rapacious world; here am I the victim of injustice, and that from my own brother, who withholds from me my rightful share of the inheritance that has fallen to us." In this most inopportune intrusion upon the sole…
clarkeLuke 12:18: "And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods."
I will pull down, etc. - The rich are full of designs concerning this life, but in general take no thought about eternity till the time that their goods and their lives are both taken away.
This rich man's plan isn't just about bigger barns; it's a complete self-centered worldview. He declares "my barns," "my grain," and "my goods," showing he sees no one else, not even God, in his grand design for material security. He's entirely focused on his own "good things," with absolutely no thought for the poor or anyone beyond himself.
Just before this, Jesus tells a parable about a rich fool who hoards his wealth, completely ignoring God and the fact that his life is fleeting. This verse is the rich man's proud declaration of his greedy plan to build even bigger storehouses for his abundant harvest, completely self-reliant and without any thought of eternity or sharing. His focus is solely on his own material possessions and future comfort, blinding him to his own mortality.
Just before this, Jesus tells a parable about a rich fool who hoards his wealth, completely ignoring God and the fact that his life is fleeting. This verse is the rich man's proud declaration of his greedy plan to build even bigger storehouses for his abundant harvest, completely self-reliant and without any thought of eternity or sharing. His focus is solely on his own material possessions and future comfort, blinding him to his own mortality.
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"And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods." — This rich man's plan isn't just about bigger barns; it's a complete self-centered worldview. He declares "my barns," "my grain," and "my goods," showing he sees no one else, not even God, in his gran…
