And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
Christ warns against covetousness first because it springs from a false belief: that happiness grows with possessions. But riches are evils of this present life, bestowed by God's hand, and used only by His blessing. Believers learn from their own experience that life does not depend on abundance, but on God's providence alone, who upholds us by His power.
AI summary
This man appeals to Christ as though his brother's refusal to divide the inheritance were a matter worthy of divine judgment, when his real disease is covetousness, a sinful desire for more than God in His providence has allotted him. He wants Christ to overturn the law itself, not to right a wrong.
AI summary
Commenting on Luke 12:13-21
Beware of all covetousness in every degree, for it is the root of all evil. No abundance of possessions can prolong natural life or prevent disease and death; they cannot provide comfort or happiness, and they advance neither spiritual nor eternal life. A man may possess all the world's goods and still be lost forever.
AI summary