The verse highlights that "unrighteous wealth" is called that because it often leads us into sin or is gained through questionable means, not necessarily that the wealth itself is inherently evil. Jesus is urging us to use this often problematic resource wisely, by acting generously, so that these very riches can secure us a lasting welcome in eternity.
And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings. “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. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is telling the parable of the shrewd steward, who, facing dismissal for mismanagement, fraudulently reduces the debts of his master's tenants to secure their favor. This leads to Jesus' observation that worldly people often show more foresight in their earthly pursuits than spiritual followers do in seeking eternal life. The verse is Jesus' direct application of the parable's lesson to his disciples, urging them to use their earthly resources wisely to prepare for the afterlife.
Jesus tells us to make friends with 'unrighteous wealth.' What does that even mean? It's not about shady deals, but about how we use what we have.
The parable highlights a surprising strategy: using your resources to build relationships.
Why does Jesus call wealth 'unrighteous'? Is all money bad? This term points to a deeper truth about our relationship with possessions.
The phrase 'mammon of unrighteousness' is a loaded term, and it’s crucial to understand its layers:
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When 'it fails,' who will welcome you? This verse isn't just about charity; it’s a stark reminder of our ultimate accountability.
Jesus uses the steward’s eventual dismissal as a metaphor for our own end. The focus is on preparation and legacy:
Understand the original words
mamōnās tēs adikias · Greek Noun phrase
Wealth or material possessions, often characterized as 'unrighteous' because of its origin in a fallen world or its potential to corrupt the heart, but which can be used for kingdom purposes.
aiōnioi skēnai · Greek Noun phrase
Refers to the permanent, heavenly home promised to the faithful, contrasting with the temporary nature of earthly existence.
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.
pistos · Greek Adjective
Relates to trustworthiness, reliability, and steadfastness in keeping a commitment or fulfilling a duty. Biblically, it describes the character of one who is loyal to God's standards.
mamōnas adikos · Greek Noun
Refers to material possessions or worldly resources. Often contrasted with spiritual wealth, it is called "unrighteous" because it is frequently used to serve selfish ends rather than God.
alēthinos ploutos · Greek Adjective
Genuine, lasting spiritual value provided by God, typically referring to the gospel, righteousness, and the kingdom of God.
This parable, spoken in the context of Jesus' ministry, was likely delivered to disciples and in the hearing of Pharisees, highlighting a direct challenge to the materialistic values of some religious leaders and the disciples' own understanding of stewardship and priorities.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Teachings
Jesus taught extensively, often using parables, to convey spiritual truths and challenge the prevailing cultural norms of His time, particularly regarding wealth and religious hypocrisy.
Early 1st century AD
Pharisaic Influence and Wealth
The Pharisees, a prominent religious group, often emphasized adherence to the Law and were sometimes associated with wealth and a focus on material prosperity.
Early 1st century AD
Jewish Social Structures
Society included various economic strata, with significant disparities between the wealthy and the poor. Debt and financial dealings were common, and creditors held considerable power.
This passage emphasizes honoring God with our wealth, which aligns with the idea of using earthly possessions wisely to secure eternal favor, rather than just for personal gain.
Matthew 6:19-21Jesus directly contrasts earthly treasures with heavenly treasures, echoing the parable's call to invest in what is eternal rather than what is fleeting and ultimately unreliable.
1 Timothy 6:17-19This text encourages the rich to do good and be rich in good deeds, providing a practical application of how to use wealth to lay up a good foundation for the future, similar to the steward's strategy.
Ecclesiastes 11:1-2This verse advises to invest generously and widely, as we don't know what good will come or when our resources might be needed, mirroring the steward's forward-thinking approach to his own insecurity.
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…
vincentLuke 16:9: "And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations."
Make to yourselves friendsCompare Virgil, "Aeneid," vi., 664:. Among the tenants of Elysium he sees "those who, by good desert, made others mindful of them."Of the mammon of unrighteousness (ἐκ τοῦ μαμωνᾶ τῆς ἀδικίας)The same idiom as in Luke 16:8, steward of injustice. Compare unrighteous mammon, Luke 16:11. Mammon should be…
The verse highlights that "unrighteous wealth" is called that because it often leads us into sin or is gained through questionable means, not necessarily that the wealth itself is inherently evil. Jesus is urging us to use this often problematic resource wisely, by acting generously, so that these very riches can secure us a lasting welcome in eternity.
Jesus is telling the parable of the shrewd steward, who, facing dismissal for mismanagement, fraudulently reduces the debts of his master's tenants to secure their favor. This leads to Jesus' observation that worldly people often show more foresight in their earthly pursuits than spiritual followers do in seeking eternal life. The verse is Jesus' direct application of the parable's lesson to his disciples, urging them to use their earthly resources wisely to prepare for the afterlife.
Jesus is telling the parable of the shrewd steward, who, facing dismissal for mismanagement, fraudulently reduces the debts of his master's tenants to secure their favor. This leads to Jesus' observation that worldly people often show more foresight in their earthly pursuits than spiritual followers do in seeking eternal life. The verse is Jesus' direct application of the parable's lesson to his disciples, urging them to use their earthly resources wisely to prepare for the afterlife.
"And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings. “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in…" — The verse highlights that "unrighteous wealth" is called that because it often leads us into sin or is gained through questionable means, not necessarily that the wealth itself is inherently evil. Je…
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Last reviewed October 2026
