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Book of Luke - Chapter 16 - Verse 11

16:11
If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?

Meaning

This verse from the book of Luke in the Bible challenges believers to consider their faithfulness in handling money and material possessions. The phrase "unrighteous mammon" refers to worldly wealth and dishonest gain. In this context, Jesus is emphasizing the importance of being trustworthy and responsible with earthly riches, as a test of one's character and integrity. He suggests that if someone cannot be faithful in managing material wealth, how can they be trusted with more valuable and significant matters, such as spiritual riches and blessings from God? This verse serves as a reminder that our actions and attitudes towards money are reflective of our true values and priorities. It encourages believers to prioritize faithfulness and honesty in all aspects of their lives, including financial stewardship, with the promise of being entrusted with greater blessings and responsibilities in the future.

Theological Overview

One theological interpretation of this verse can be understood in terms of stewardship. The idea is that God expects believers to handle earthly possessions with integrity and faithfulness, no matter how insignificant they may seem. In this particular passage, 'unrighteous mammon' refers to worldly wealth or possessions, which are temporary and ultimately unimportant in the grand scheme of things. The verse suggests that if individuals are not trustworthy or responsible with material possessions, they cannot be entrusted with more significant spiritual blessings or 'true riches'. This highlights the concept that faithfulness in small matters demonstrates one's readiness to handle greater responsibilities in the spiritual realm. It serves as a warning against the dangers of greed and materialism, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing spiritual growth and integrity in all aspects of life.

American Standard Version

If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true [riches] ?
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