What does the rich man's dilemma in Luke 12:17 reveal about human nature? Setting the Scene Luke 12:17 — “So he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, since I have nowhere to store my crops?’” Human Nature Exposed • Self-talk reveals self-trust: the man “thought to himself,” never consulting God (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Success feels like a problem of storage, not stewardship; abundance becomes stress rather than thanksgiving. • Possessions take center stage, pushing eternal realities to the margins (James 4:13-14). • He assumes control over tomorrow, ignoring life’s fragility (v. 20; cf. Proverbs 27:1). • His question begins with “What shall I do?”—a reflex of self-reliance common to fallen hearts (Jeremiah 17:9). • The absence of God in his plans highlights pride and practical atheism (Psalm 14:1). Scriptural Echoes • Ecclesiastes 5:10 — “Whoever loves money is never satisfied with money.” • 1 Timothy 6:9-10 — Desire for riches pierces the soul with many griefs. • Matthew 6:19-21 — Treasures on earth invite decay; hearts follow treasure. • Proverbs 11:28 — “He who trusts in his riches will fall.” A Better Pattern • Acknowledge God as the giver (Deuteronomy 8:17-18). • View surplus as seed for generosity (2 Corinthians 9:10-11). • Plan with humility: “If the Lord wills…” (James 4:15). • Store treasure in heaven through eternal investments (Luke 12:33-34). Takeaway The rich man’s simple question uncovers a universal impulse: when prosperity comes, the natural heart turns inward, trusts self, and forgets God. Scripture calls us to redirect that impulse—seeing abundance as a stewardship from the Lord, holding possessions loosely, and anchoring confidence in Him alone. |
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