The Rich Fool (Luke 12:16–21) - A Parable About Misplaced Security
“A fool in fortune, a pauper in faith.”
The Parable
A wealthy man’s land produced abundantly. He decided to tear down his barns and build bigger ones to store his crops. He said to himself, “You have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.”
But that very night, God said to him, “Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?”
The man’s wealth could not follow him beyond the grave.
Initial Misunderstanding
At first glance, the man appears wise and responsible, planning ahead, safeguarding his future, and enjoying the results of his diligence. Yet, in his planning, he left out the most essential element: God.
His wisdom was worldly, not eternal. He mistook self-sufficiency for security and preparation for pride.
Deeper Meaning
The danger lies not in wealth itself, but in the illusion of control. The man’s fault was not that he prospered, but that he assumed prosperity guaranteed peace. He built for this life, forgetting the next.
He spoke to his soul, but never to his Savior. He counted his grain, but never his days.
This parable reminds us that life is fragile, time is short, and eternity is certain.
What did we learn?
Life is fragile; eternity is near.
Wealth is temporary; use it for God’s purposes.
True security is found in God, not possessions.
Wisdom plans with God, not apart from Him.
A Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Teach me to build with wisdom and humility. Guard my heart from the false security of wealth and self-reliance. Let every plan I make include You at its center. Help me use the blessings You’ve given for Your kingdom’s work, not my own comfort. May my treasure be stored in heaven, where no thief can steal and no moth can destroy. Amen.