Luke 16:10
“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Jesus is highlighting that our faithfulness, or lack thereof, in handling earthly "stuff" (like money and possessions, referred to as "the least") directly reveals our character and capacity for handling eternal, spiritual realities ("much"). It’s not just about what we're faithful with, but that we are faithful, because a person's core integrity shines through, whether in small matters or great.
Jesus has just told the parable of the shrewd manager who was commended by his master for his resourcefulness in dealing with his master's money. He follows this with a proverb, explaining that faithfulness in small, worldly matters (like managing money) is a key indicator of faithfulness in larger, more significant responsibilities, whether earthly or spiritual. This serves as a direct lesson to his disciples on the character God looks for, especially in contrast to the covetous Pharisees who were listening and mocking him.
Ever wonder why faithfulness in small matters matters so much? Jesus reveals a powerful principle about character.
Jesus is teaching us that our character is revealed not just in grand gestures, but in the seemingly insignificant details of life.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Luke 16:10 is available in the Sola app.
Jesus connects faithfulness (or unfaithfulness) to 'mammon,' a term for earthly wealth. What's the real difference?
In this passage, Jesus contrasts 'the least' things, which refer to earthly riches (mammon), with 'much,' which implies greater, eternal responsibilities.
Understand the original words
pistos · Greek Adjective
Trustworthiness, reliability, or steadfastness in fulfilling one's obligations; a core virtue of a disciple before God.
adikos · Greek Adjective
A lack of integrity, injustice, or moral corruption in one's dealings; the opposite of faithfulness.
This teaching directly follows the parable of the unjust steward and addresses the Pharisees' materialistic hearts, highlighting how faithfulness (or lack thereof) in handling earthly wealth reveals one's character for God's eternal judgment.
c. 30 AD— this verse
Jesus teaches the parable
Jesus tells the parable of the unjust steward to His disciples, including Pharisees who were present and known to be lovers of money.
c. 30 AD
Pharisees ridicule Jesus
The Pharisees, who were covetous, heard Jesus' teachings and scoffed at Him because His words challenged their materialistic values.
c. 33 AD
Jesus' arrest
Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' twelve disciples, betrays Him. His motives are debated by scholars, but greed is often considered a contributing factor.
c. 33 AD
Judas' death
Judas Iscariot dies by suicide shortly after betraying Jesus, possibly due to remorse or the consequences of his actions.
This proverb directly echoes the idea that integrity in small matters (like a 'false balance') reveals character that will hold true in larger, more significant areas of life.
Matthew 25:23Jesus uses a similar principle when evaluating servants, stating that faithfulness with 'a little' (the master's property) leads to a greater reward and trust ('much') in the future.
1 Corinthians 4:2Paul applies this very principle to Christian ministry, emphasizing that leaders must be found faithful as stewards over what God has entrusted to them, no matter how small it may seem.
Colossians 3:17This verse broadens the scope, suggesting that whatever we do, whether in word or deed, should be done in the name of Jesus, implying that our faithfulness in everyday actions reflects our devotion to Him.
Matthew 6:24While not a direct parallel in wording, this verse about not being able to serve both God and money provides the essential backdrop for Luke 16:10, highlighting the fundamental choice between worldly possessions and divine allegiance that tests our faithfulness.
barnesLuke 16:10: "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much."
He that is faithful ... - This is a maxim which will almost universally hold true. A man that shows fidelity in small matters will also in large; and he that will cheat and defraud in little things will also in those involving more trust and responsibility. Fidelity is required in small matters as well as in those of more importance.
calvinLuke 16:1-15: "And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods."
- And he said also to his disciples, There was a certain rich man who had a steward, and he was accused to him that he was wasting his estate. 2. And he called him, and said to him, What is this that I hear of thee? render an account of thy stewardship, for thou shalt no longer have it in thy power to be steward. 3. And the stew…
Jesus is highlighting that our faithfulness, or lack thereof, in handling earthly "stuff" (like money and possessions, referred to as "the least") directly reveals our character and capacity for handling eternal, spiritual realities ("much"). It’s not just about what we're faithful with, but that we are faithful, because a person's core integrity shines through, whether in small matters or great.
Jesus has just told the parable of the shrewd manager who was commended by his master for his resourcefulness in dealing with his master's money. He follows this with a proverb, explaining that faithfulness in small, worldly matters (like managing money) is a key indicator of faithfulness in larger, more significant responsibilities, whether earthly or spiritual. This serves as a direct lesson to his disciples on the character God looks for, especially in contrast to the covetous Pharisees who were listening and mocking him.
Jesus has just told the parable of the shrewd manager who was commended by his master for his resourcefulness in dealing with his master's money. He follows this with a proverb, explaining that faithfulness in small, worldly matters (like managing money) is a key indicator of faithfulness in larger, more significant responsibilities, whether earthly or spiritual. This serves as a direct lesson to his disciples on the character God looks for, especially in contrast to the covetous Pharisees who were listening and mocking him.
"“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much." — Jesus is highlighting that our faithfulness, or lack thereof, in handling earthly "stuff" (like money and possessions, referred to as "the least") directly reveals our character and capacity for hand…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
