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When we come to define riches, we find it difficult to give preciseness to the idea attached to the word. The man who has gold enough for all his wants is rich. Money is but a means to an end, that end being the convenient attainment of things requisite for comfortable existence. The soul has wants as well as the body, and the means by which its necessities are to be supplied may be called "riches," the true riches.

I. WHAT ARE THESE RICHES? He is rich who has a good conscience, a will in unison with God's, and emotions of happiness in the contemplation of God; God Himself is the true wealth of the soul. We are all originally poor, for we have sinned and wandered from God. But we all, if we will, may become spiritually wealthy through Jesus Christ our Lord.

II. How CAN WE ACQUIRE THESE RICHES? James has given us the answer — "rich in faith." It is by faith that we become rich toward God.

III. How ARE WE TO KEEP AND INCREASE THESE RICHES? Paul enlightens us here when he bids Timothy charge his hearers to be "rich in good works." The riches of personal deliverance may be regarded as the one pound which Christ gives to all who will take it; his own good works are the improvement which the believer makes on that original gift. This improvement is both personal and diffusive.

IV. THE EXHORTATION TO "LAY UP FOR YOURSELVES TREASURES IN HEAVEN."

1. The pursuit of this wealth is attended with no danger to the character.

2. In the search every one may be successful.

3. This spiritual treasure is abiding.

(W. M. Taylor, D. D.)

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KJV: And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:

WEB: He spoke a parable to them, saying, "The ground of a certain rich man brought forth abundantly.