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Luke 12:20
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Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Thou fool! - To imagine that a man's comfort and peace can depend upon temporal things; or to suppose that these can satisfy the wishes of an immortal spirit! This night - How awful was this saying! He had just made the necessary arrangements for the gratification of his sensual appetites; and, in the very night in which he had finally settled all his plans, his soul was called into the eternal world! What a dreadful awakening of a soul, long asleep in sin! He is now hurried into the presence of his Maker; none of his worldly goods can accompany him, and he has not a particle of heavenly treasure! There is a passage much like this in the book of Ecclesiasticus, 11:18, 19. There is that waxeth rich by his wariness and pinching, and this is the portion of his reward: Whereas he saith, I have found rest, and now will eat continually of my goods; and yet he knoweth not what time shall come upon him; and that he must leave those things to others, and die. We may easily see whence the above is borrowed.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
this night, &c.--This sudden cutting short of his career is designed to express not only the folly of building securely upon the future, but of throwing one's whole soul into what may at any moment be gone. "Thy soul shall be required of thee" is put in opposition to his own treatment of it, "I will say to my soul, Soul," &c. whose shall those things be, &c.--Compare Psa 39:6, "He heapeth up riches and knoweth not who shall gather them."
John Gill Bible Commentary
But God said unto him,.... He determined within himself he should die that night; for the time of a man's death, as well as of his birth, is fixed by God; or he sent the messenger of death, some disease or another, the language of which was, immediate death, or death in a very short time; or spoke to his conscience, and impressed it on his mind, that he should die that night, and not live: thou fool: as he appeared to be, throughout the whole of his conduct: this night thy soul shall be required of thee: which is of God's immediate formation, is immortal, of more worth than a world, and its loss is irreparable; and for which a man is accountable to God, the Father of spirits; and which he requires at a man's hands at death, which is here designed; and shows, that a man has no power over it to retain it, but must give it up when it is called for, even that very instant, "this night" which may refer to the time when covetous persons are employing their thoughts about their worldly goods, or when epicures and sensual persons are indulging themselves in luxury and intemperance; and to the condition the soul is in, being in the night and in darkness, and knows not whither it is going; and denotes its immediate remove, and the suddenness of divine wrath and vengeance; the Vulgate Latin, and Syriac versions, agreeably to the Greek text, read the words, "this night do they require thy soul of thee"; or "out of thy body", as the Persic version reads: the Ethiopic version renders it, "they shall take thy soul from thee"; that is, the evil angels, the devils having a commission from God, shall demand thy soul; and as soon as ever it is separated from the body, shall seize upon it, and carry it to hell; just as the good angels carry the souls of the saints to heaven, Luk 16:22 Then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? not his own, for he can carry nothing with him; nor does he know whose they will be, whether the persons he designed them for, or some others whom he abhorred, and would, if possible, have prevented their enjoyment of them; and should he have them for whom he intended them, he does not know how he will turn out, whether a wise man or a fool, or what use he will make of them.
Luke 12:20
The Parable of the Rich Fool
19Then I will say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy. Eat, drink, and be merry!”’20But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Boast Not Thyself
By Harry Ironside2.5K06:46SalvationPRO 27:1HOS 4:17MAT 24:36LUK 12:202CO 6:2HEB 9:27In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not procrastinating when it comes to accepting the gospel and becoming a Christian. He warns that many people in a land where the gospel is widely known are lost not because they are ignorant of the faith, but because they continually put off making a decision. The preacher quotes Proverbs 27:1, which advises against boasting about tomorrow because we do not know what the future holds. He also highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in convicting people of sin and urging them to repent, but warns that one can resist the Spirit's pleading for so long that it may eventually be too late. The sermon concludes with an exhortation to seize the present moment and turn to God in repentance and faith.
(The Word for Today) Isaiah 28:16 - Part 1
By Chuck Smith1.7K25:59ExpositionalISA 28:1ISA 28:15MAT 21:42LUK 10:42LUK 12:20In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the dream of Nebuchadnezzar as recorded in the book of Daniel. Nebuchadnezzar had a dream about a great image with different materials representing different kingdoms. A rock, not cut by human hands, struck the image and destroyed it, growing into a mountain that covered the whole earth. Daniel interpreted the dream as a prophecy of the future, revealing that God will establish His kingdom and bring an end to earthly kingdoms. Pastor Chuck emphasizes the importance of not building our lives solely on material possessions, but instead finding peace and confidence in God's control over our lives.
'Son, Remember' Preached in 1879 Reading of d.l. Moody by Robert Wurtz
By Robert Wurtz II1.6K14:37PRO 27:1PRO 29:1MAT 25:13LUK 12:202CO 6:2HEB 3:15JAS 4:142PE 3:9REV 3:20This sermon recounts a powerful story from Dwight L. Moody about a man who struggled with moral courage to publicly confess Christ, leading to tragic consequences due to procrastination and a hardened heart. It emphasizes the urgency of making a decision for Christ without delay, highlighting the danger of putting off salvation and the devastating outcome of rejecting God's offer of grace and forgiveness.
The Philosophy of a Fool
By Dennis Jenkins89649:44PhilosophyECC 11:9LUK 12:15LUK 12:20ROM 1:18ROM 1:20HEB 11:1HEB 11:26In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the rich farmer as told by Jesus. The parable highlights the foolishness of placing all emphasis on material possessions and neglecting the spiritual aspect of life. The rich farmer in the parable plans to retire and enjoy the fruits of his labor, but fails to consider the spiritual and the inevitable reality of death. The preacher emphasizes that the materialistic philosophy of life is foolish and disastrous, and urges listeners to prioritize their relationship with God over worldly possessions.
Eternal House of Wisdom
By Steve Gallagher8001:01:18PRO 3:13PRO 9:10PRO 24:3MAT 7:24MAT 23:38LUK 12:20LUK 19:9JAS 3:17This sermon emphasizes the importance of building an eternal house of wisdom by submitting to God's authority, word, dealings in life, and living out wisdom. It contrasts the rewards of following God's wisdom, which are eternal, deep, and meaningful, with the superficial and empty rewards of following worldly desires. The speaker urges the audience to make wise decisions, trust in God's blessings, and choose the path of righteousness over immediate gratification.
Heavenly Home
By Basilea Schlink56804:35Radio ShowPSA 90:12MAT 6:33MAT 25:30LUK 12:20JHN 14:2HEB 9:27REV 21:4The video is a sermon about the importance of preparing for eternity and finding a home in heaven. The speaker emphasizes the need to live a righteous life, seeking forgiveness and avoiding attachment to worldly things. The sermon highlights the longing for a home that exists within every human soul and the consequences of not finding peace in Jesus. It also warns about the torment and darkness that awaits those who do not repent and find salvation. The speaker encourages listeners to use their time wisely and seek transformation into the image of God.
I Am Come to Send Fire
By G.W. North3581:24:05Holy SpiritMAT 6:33LUK 12:20LUK 12:47In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being prepared for the coming of the Lord. He uses various biblical references to convey the message that believers should always be watchful and ready for the return of Jesus. The preacher warns against complacency and urges listeners to be diligent in their faith. He also highlights the significance of being rich toward God rather than accumulating worldly possessions.
You Fool - Your Soul Will Be Required of You!
By Shane Idleman1529:04FaithfulnessHypocrisyMAT 25:1LUK 12:20Shane Idleman passionately addresses the difference between faithful and unfaithful servants, emphasizing that true faithfulness comes from an inward change rather than mere outward appearances. He warns against hypocrisy, highlighting that many who claim to be Christians lack a genuine relationship with God, which leads to foolishness. Idleman critiques modern Christianity's complacency and calls for a return to fervent faith, urging believers to seek God earnestly and live out their faith authentically. He stresses the urgency of being prepared for Christ's return, as the time is short and the stakes are high. Ultimately, he challenges the congregation to reflect on whether they are wise or foolish servants in their walk with God.
Rebuilding the Altar (Don't Fool Yourself. Find Out How It Really Stands With Your soul.)
By Hans R. Waldvogel0Spiritual RenewalSelf-Examination1KI 18:30MAT 7:21LUK 12:20HEB 4:12Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the critical need for self-examination of our souls, warning against the dangers of self-deception as illustrated by a young man who believed he was healthy despite his terminal condition. He draws parallels between physical ailments and spiritual health, urging the congregation to assess their relationship with God and the state of their souls. Waldvogel highlights the importance of repairing the broken altar in our hearts, as Elijah did, to restore our connection with God. He reminds us that true healing and understanding of our spiritual condition come from the discernment of Christ, who knows our hearts. The sermon calls for a sincere commitment to God, urging believers to not wait until it's too late to seek Him.
For Toys and Trifles
By Thomas Brooks0Eternal ConsequencesValue of the SoulECC 12:14MAT 16:26MRK 8:36LUK 12:202CO 5:10PHP 3:19HEB 9:27JAS 4:141PE 1:18REV 20:15Thomas Brooks warns against the grave danger of neglecting our immortal souls in favor of worldly pleasures and trivial pursuits. He emphasizes that trading our souls for temporary satisfaction is a grave mistake, as our souls are invaluable and eternal. Brooks vividly describes the torment that awaits those who prioritize sin and the fleeting joys of this world over their relationship with God. He urges listeners to consider the eternal consequences of their choices and to seek true fulfillment in Christ rather than in trifles. Ultimately, he calls for a deep reflection on the value of the soul and the importance of making spiritual provisions.
Sell Their Souls to Satan
By Thomas Brooks0Value of the SoulTemptationPRO 23:23ECC 2:11MAT 10:28MAT 16:26MRK 8:36LUK 12:201TI 6:9JAS 1:121PE 1:18REV 20:15Thomas Brooks emphasizes the grave danger of trading one's soul for temporary pleasures, likening it to children who exchange valuable jewels for trivial items. He warns that many people, in their pursuit of fleeting desires, are foolishly selling their immortal souls to Satan. The sermon challenges listeners to recognize the true worth of their souls and to avoid the trivial pursuits that lead to spiritual ruin. Brooks calls for a deeper understanding of the eternal consequences of our choices and the importance of valuing our souls above all else.
Feast the Slave, and Starve the Wife?
By Thomas Brooks0Soul CareEternal PerspectivePRO 4:23MAT 16:26MRK 8:36LUK 12:202CO 4:18PHP 3:19COL 3:21TI 4:8HEB 12:1JAS 1:21Thomas Brooks emphasizes the paramount importance of prioritizing the eternal welfare of our souls over earthly concerns. He argues that it is foolish to nourish the body while neglecting the soul, equating this neglect to madness. Brooks warns that those who prioritize their physical needs above their spiritual well-being risk losing everything of true value, including God and eternal glory. He urges listeners to diligently care for their souls, as true comfort in life and confidence in death hinge on this vital work.
The Preciousness of the Soul
By Thomas Watson0PSA 139:14PRO 23:5ISA 33:14HOS 13:9MAT 16:26LUK 12:201TH 4:17HEB 12:23Thomas Watson preaches about the preciousness of the soul, emphasizing that the soul is more valuable than the whole world. He delves into the intrinsic worth and immortality of the soul, highlighting its spirituality and its eternal nature. Watson warns against abusing the soul by degrading, selling, poisoning, or starving it, stressing the importance of safeguarding and not losing the soul, as its loss is foolish, irreparable, and results in eternal damnation.
Luke 12:13-21. the Rich Fool Who Was Suddenly Cut Off.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0PSA 16:11LUK 12:15LUK 12:20JAS 2:5REV 3:18REV 4:1Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about Jesus warning against the sin of covetousness, using the story of a rich man who focused on earthly possessions and neglected his soul. The rich man's folly in seeking happiness through material wealth is contrasted with the true source of fulfillment, which is communion with God. Mortimer emphasizes the importance of being rich towards God through faith in the Lord Jesus, highlighting that true riches come from a relationship with God that transcends worldly treasures and ensures eternal happiness.
The Soul-Life
By Watchman Nee0Understanding Human IdentityThe Nature of the SoulGEN 12:5LEV 17:11PSA 16:10PRO 4:23MAT 10:28MRK 8:36LUK 12:20JHN 10:101TH 5:23REV 12:11Watchman Nee explores the concept of the soul as the essence of human self-consciousness and personality, emphasizing that our intellect, emotions, and will are all integral parts of the soul. He explains that the Bible often equates the soul with the heart, suggesting that understanding a person's soul is key to understanding their true self. Nee highlights that the soul is not only a reflection of personality but also encompasses the natural life of man, where the terms 'soul' and 'life' are often used interchangeably in Scripture. This interconnectedness of soul and life illustrates the depth of human existence as defined by both spiritual and natural elements. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper understanding of the soul-life as foundational to our identity and relationship with God.
Religion the Highest Wisdom, and Sin the Greatest Madness and Folly
By Samuel Davies0JOB 28:28PSA 111:10PRO 1:7LUK 12:20Samuel Davies preaches about the importance of true wisdom, highlighting the fear of the LORD as the beginning of wisdom and the necessity of following His commandments for good understanding. He emphasizes the contrast between the honorable character of wisdom and the reproachful nature of folly, especially in matters of religion and eternity. Davies exposes the madness and folly of those who neglect the concerns of their immortal souls while being wise in temporal affairs, urging them to prioritize the pursuit of everlasting happiness through holiness. He challenges the common excuses and contradictions of those who claim to believe in Christianity but act contrary to its teachings, pointing out the absurdity of hoping for heaven without evidence of fitness or title to it. Davies concludes by highlighting the madness of prioritizing temporal matters over eternal ones and the depravity of human nature in neglecting true wisdom and understanding.
Jesus, the Greatest Prosperity Preacher
By David Servant0DEU 15:7PSA 41:1PRO 3:9PRO 22:16ISA 58:7MAL 3:10LUK 6:38LUK 12:201CO 13:32CO 9:6JAS 4:3David Servant preaches on the importance of giving with the right motives, emphasizing the need to interpret Scripture in context and not for personal gain. He highlights how Jesus' promise in Luke 6:38 is often misused by prosperity preachers to promote greed, contrasting it with the true meaning of sacrificial giving and blessings for those who give to the poor. Servant warns against selfish motives in giving and encourages a lifestyle of generosity and simplicity, focusing on laying up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.
The Plague of Unsatisfiedness
By Thomas Brooks0CovetousnessUnsatisfiednessJOB 27:17LUK 12:15LUK 12:201TI 6:9Thomas Brooks warns against the sin of covetousness, emphasizing that it is a grievous and breeding sin that leads to unsatisfiedness and spiritual ruin. He illustrates how covetousness makes individuals earthly rather than celestial, robbing them of true peace and contentment. Brooks points out that a covetous person is never satisfied, always desiring more, and compares them to a swine, which is of no use while alive. He stresses that the pursuit of wealth can lead to temptation and destruction, ultimately reminding us that true fulfillment cannot be found in material possessions.
Amos 4:6
By Chuck Smith0Preparation for EternityGod's SovereigntyMAT 25:1LUK 12:20ROM 14:10HEB 9:272PE 3:9Chuck Smith emphasizes that God's dealings with Israel serve as a parable for all humanity, illustrating His desire for everyone to turn to Him. He highlights that God intentionally places obstacles in our lives, including the ultimate challenge of facing the cross, to lead us toward repentance. Smith reminds us that all individuals will stand before God, either condemned or innocent, and stresses the importance of being prepared for that encounter. He warns against living solely for this life, using examples like the rich fool and the five foolish virgins to illustrate the necessity of spiritual readiness. Ultimately, true preparation involves more than mere reformation; it requires a genuine transformation of the heart.
Psalms 90:12
By Chuck Smith0The Beauty of GodEternal PerspectivePSA 90:12ECC 3:1MAT 6:19LUK 12:20ROM 12:22CO 4:18GAL 5:16COL 3:2JAS 4:141PE 1:24Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of recognizing our limited time on earth and the need to live with an eternal perspective, as highlighted in Psalms 90:12. He contrasts the folly of focusing solely on worldly pursuits with the beauty of God's nature and character, urging believers to seek wisdom and apply their hearts to eternal matters. Smith illustrates how God's beauty is evident in creation and His attributes, such as love and grace, and encourages a life led by the Spirit to overcome the tyranny of the flesh. Ultimately, he calls for a conscious effort to align our activities with God's eternal purpose.
A Jewel Worth More Than Heaven!
By Thomas Brooks0Guarding the SoulEternal ValuePSA 49:15PRO 4:23ECC 5:10MAT 10:28MAT 16:26MRK 8:36LUK 12:201TI 6:9JAS 1:141PE 5:8Thomas Brooks emphasizes the paramount importance of guarding one's soul, which he describes as a jewel worth more than heaven. He warns against the dangers of vanity and materialism, urging believers to protect their hearts and souls from worldly temptations. Brooks highlights that losing one's soul is the greatest folly, as it leads to eternal loss, making it crucial to prioritize spiritual well-being over earthly gains. He references Proverbs 4:23 and Matthew 16:26 to underscore the significance of safeguarding the soul.
On Worldly Folly
By John Wesley0Worldly WealthSpiritual RichesMAT 6:19LUK 12:20John Wesley preaches on the folly of worldly wealth, using the parable of the rich fool from Luke 12:20 to illustrate the dangers of placing trust in material possessions rather than in God. He emphasizes that true wisdom lies in recognizing the transient nature of life and the importance of using our resources to help others rather than hoarding them for ourselves. Wesley warns that the pursuit of earthly treasures leads to spiritual emptiness and urges listeners to be 'rich toward God' instead. He calls for self-examination regarding where one's true treasure lies and encourages a life of generosity and service to others.
This Very Year You Are Going to Die!
By Samuel Davies0PRO 27:1ECC 9:12JER 28:16MAT 24:44LUK 12:20ACT 17:302CO 6:2HEB 9:27JAS 4:14Samuel Davies preaches a powerful sermon at Princeton College in 1761, warning the audience about the certainty and unpredictability of death. He emphasizes the need for serious reflection and preparation to meet the unknown occurrences of life, especially the inevitable event of death. Davies vividly describes the consequences of dying in sin, urging listeners to consider the possibility of their own mortality within the year and the eternal ramifications of being unprepared for death.
Exposition on Psalm 54
By St. Augustine01SA 24:4PSA 53:1ISA 40:6LUK 12:20JHN 18:36ROM 8:262CO 1:122CO 12:8COL 3:3St. Augustine preaches on the significance of Psalm 53, focusing on the hidden meanings within the text. He delves into the allegorical interpretation of the Ziphites as enemies of David, representing those who flourish in worldly pursuits but wither in judgment. Augustine emphasizes the importance of seeking God's help and judgment, rather than being swayed by temporary worldly success. He encourages voluntary sacrifice of praise to God out of genuine love and gratitude, highlighting the joy found in praising God for His own sake. Through tribulations, one can gain a deeper understanding of God's goodness and deliverance from all troubles.
In the Spirit or in the World
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual SeparationLiving in the SpiritLUK 12:20JHN 3:6JHN 17:16COL 3:1REV 5:5REV 21:9T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the distinction between living in the Spirit versus being consumed by the world, using the imagery of the New Jerusalem as a representation of a spiritual people rather than a literal city. He argues that true understanding of spiritual truths requires a separation from worldly concerns, as illustrated by John's vision of being carried away in the Spirit to a high mountain. Sparks highlights that the Christian life is about being alive in the Spirit, which allows believers to perceive divine truths and realities beyond the physical realm. He warns against the dangers of being 'worldly Christians' and encourages believers to seek a deeper spiritual connection with God. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to spiritual growth and a rejection of worldly distractions.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Thou fool! - To imagine that a man's comfort and peace can depend upon temporal things; or to suppose that these can satisfy the wishes of an immortal spirit! This night - How awful was this saying! He had just made the necessary arrangements for the gratification of his sensual appetites; and, in the very night in which he had finally settled all his plans, his soul was called into the eternal world! What a dreadful awakening of a soul, long asleep in sin! He is now hurried into the presence of his Maker; none of his worldly goods can accompany him, and he has not a particle of heavenly treasure! There is a passage much like this in the book of Ecclesiasticus, 11:18, 19. There is that waxeth rich by his wariness and pinching, and this is the portion of his reward: Whereas he saith, I have found rest, and now will eat continually of my goods; and yet he knoweth not what time shall come upon him; and that he must leave those things to others, and die. We may easily see whence the above is borrowed.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
this night, &c.--This sudden cutting short of his career is designed to express not only the folly of building securely upon the future, but of throwing one's whole soul into what may at any moment be gone. "Thy soul shall be required of thee" is put in opposition to his own treatment of it, "I will say to my soul, Soul," &c. whose shall those things be, &c.--Compare Psa 39:6, "He heapeth up riches and knoweth not who shall gather them."
John Gill Bible Commentary
But God said unto him,.... He determined within himself he should die that night; for the time of a man's death, as well as of his birth, is fixed by God; or he sent the messenger of death, some disease or another, the language of which was, immediate death, or death in a very short time; or spoke to his conscience, and impressed it on his mind, that he should die that night, and not live: thou fool: as he appeared to be, throughout the whole of his conduct: this night thy soul shall be required of thee: which is of God's immediate formation, is immortal, of more worth than a world, and its loss is irreparable; and for which a man is accountable to God, the Father of spirits; and which he requires at a man's hands at death, which is here designed; and shows, that a man has no power over it to retain it, but must give it up when it is called for, even that very instant, "this night" which may refer to the time when covetous persons are employing their thoughts about their worldly goods, or when epicures and sensual persons are indulging themselves in luxury and intemperance; and to the condition the soul is in, being in the night and in darkness, and knows not whither it is going; and denotes its immediate remove, and the suddenness of divine wrath and vengeance; the Vulgate Latin, and Syriac versions, agreeably to the Greek text, read the words, "this night do they require thy soul of thee"; or "out of thy body", as the Persic version reads: the Ethiopic version renders it, "they shall take thy soul from thee"; that is, the evil angels, the devils having a commission from God, shall demand thy soul; and as soon as ever it is separated from the body, shall seize upon it, and carry it to hell; just as the good angels carry the souls of the saints to heaven, Luk 16:22 Then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? not his own, for he can carry nothing with him; nor does he know whose they will be, whether the persons he designed them for, or some others whom he abhorred, and would, if possible, have prevented their enjoyment of them; and should he have them for whom he intended them, he does not know how he will turn out, whether a wise man or a fool, or what use he will make of them.