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NASB | Luke 16:9 "And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by means of the wealth of unrighteousness, so that when it fails, they will receive you into the eternal dwellings. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Luke 16:9 "And I tell you [learn from this], make friends for yourselves [for eternity] by means of the wealth of unrighteousness [that is, use material resources as a way to further the work of God], so that when it runs out, they will welcome you into the eternal dwellings. |
Bible Question: I'm not sure if this is the type of question we're supposed to ask, but does anyone understand the parable of the shrewd manager? (Luke 16). This story makes no sense to me. I especially don't get verse 9. |
Bible Answer: Greetings Kanchi, Luke 16:9 "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." [ESV] Here is a bit of commentary on this verse.. "16:9 unrighteous mammon. i.e., money. The unjust steward used his master's money to buy earthly friends; believers are to use their Master's money in a way that will accrue friends for eternity- by investing in the kingdom gospel that brings sinners to salvation, so that when they arrive in heaven ("an everlasting home"), those sinners will be there to welcome them. Christ did not commend the man's dishonesty; He pointedly called him "unjust" (v.8). He only used him as an illustration to show that even the most wicked sons of this world are shrewd enough to provide for themselves against coming evil. Believers ought to be more shrewd, because they are concerned with eternal matters, not just earthly ones. Cf. 12:33; Matt. 6:19-21." (1) "16:8 acted shrewdly. What is commended is the ingenuity, not the dishonesty, of the steward in using his present opportunities to prepare for the future. Likewise, the believer should use what he has in this life in the service of God in order to assure rewards in heaven (v.9)." (2) "16:9 make friends. By helping those in need, who in the future will show their gratitude when they welcome their benefactors into heaven ("eternal dwellings"). In this way worldly wealth may be wisely used to gain eternal benefit. by means of the wealth of unrighteousness. God's people should be alert to make use of what God has given them." (3) I hope that these help! Blessings to you, Makarios (1) The MacArthur Study Bible, 1997, Word Publishing, John MacArthur, pg. 1547 (2) Ryrie Study Bible, Expanded Edition, 1995, The Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, Charles C. Ryrie, pg. 1655 (3) The Zondervan NASB Study Bible, 1999, the Zondervan Corporation, Kenneth Barker, pg. 1494 |