Luke 12:13-21
Christian Standard Bible
The Parable of the Rich Fool
13 Someone from the crowd said to him, “Teacher,(A) tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”
14 “Friend,”[a] he said to him, “who appointed me a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15 He then told them, “Watch out and be on guard(B) against all greed,(C) because one’s life is not in the abundance of his possessions.”(D)
16 Then he told them a parable:(E) “A rich(F) man’s land was very productive. 17 He thought to himself, ‘What should I do, since I don’t have anywhere to store my crops? 18 I will do this,’ he said. ‘I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones and store all my grain and my goods there. 19 Then I’ll say to myself, “You have many goods stored up for many years. Take it easy;(G) eat, drink, and enjoy yourself.”’(H)
20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool!(I) This very night your life is demanded of you. And the things you have prepared—whose will they be?’(J)
21 “That’s how it is with the one who stores up treasure(K) for himself and is not rich toward God.”(L)
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- 12:14 Lit Man
Luke 12:13-21
Common English Bible
Warning against greed
13 Someone from the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”
14 Jesus said to him, “Man, who appointed me as judge or referee between you and your brother?”
15 Then Jesus said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourself against all kinds of greed. After all, one’s life isn’t determined by one’s possessions, even when someone is very wealthy.” 16 Then he told them a parable: “A certain rich man’s land produced a bountiful crop. 17 He said to himself, What will I do? I have no place to store my harvest! 18 Then he thought, Here’s what I’ll do. I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. That’s where I’ll store all my grain and goods. 19 I’ll say to myself, You have stored up plenty of goods, enough for several years. Take it easy! Eat, drink, and enjoy yourself. 20 But God said to him, ‘Fool, tonight you will die. Now who will get the things you have prepared for yourself?’ 21 This is the way it will be for those who hoard things for themselves and aren’t rich toward God.”
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