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I. THE CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH THIS MAN WAS PLACED. He was prosperous, and increasingly so. Just in such circumstances as most people long for. There are several interesting inquiries connected with the acquisition of riches; such as, how far the desire of acquisition may be indulged — where is the point at which it becomes criminal — and what are the consequences of its excess and abuse. It would much assist, did such maxims as the following meet with due acknowledgment.

1. That riches, with their attendant comforts and influence, are to be regarded as the bestowments of Providence.

2. That riches, with their attendant comforts and influence, furnish means for extended usefulness.

3. That riches with their attendant comforts and influence, involve the pressure of a solemn responsibility.

II. THE MEDITATIONS IN WHICH HE INDULGED. Observe the different aspects of imperfection and sin which the recorded meditations comprehend.

1. In the state of his mind as to the source of his possessions. There is no allusion to God, as the giver of the good in which he delighted (Hosea 2:8; Proverbs 30:8, 9).

2. In the intended application of property, Ought there not to have been some act of charity to man, or some gift to the temple of God?

3. In the mode of calculating on futurity. "This will I do: I will pull down my barns." And then — "I will say unto my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years" (Proverbs 27:1; James 4:13, 15).

4. In the nature of desired and anticipated enjoyment. "Take thine ease; eat, drink, and be merry."

(a)  There is indicated a fondness for indulgences, in themselves utterly unworthy of the intellectual nature with which man is endowed.

(b)  There is a careful and an entire exclusion of all that belongs to the interests and redemption of the soul.

III. THE REPROOF BY WHICH HE WAS ARRESTED.

1. AS to the event announced in the message of God — how momentous? "Thy soul shall be required of thee." Besides the separation of the individual from worldly riches, the event announced comprehends his appearance before God for judgment (Luke 16:19-26).

2. As to the time when this event was to be fulfilled — how soon it was to come! — "This night!" Ere another sun arose, his destiny would be sealed.

(The Preachers' Treasury.)

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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.