THE RICH FOOL

Why was the rich man in Luke 12:13-21 called a fool? We often notice that this man was called a fool, but seldom ask why.
1. He thought about his gifts, but not the Giver. God gives every blessing (James 1:17), but this man gave credit to himself, not to God. He only thought of “I.”
2. He thought about himself and forgot his neighbor. He made plans for all his wealth, with no plans for sharing with others. Read John 3:17 about having no compassion for others.
3. He thought about his body and forgot about his soul. It was all about his physical: eating, drinking and being merry. But what about his spiritual condition? His body waxed old and decayed, while his soul, being eternal, was forgotten.
4. He thought about life and forgot about death. The rich fool was not concerned about death at all. He was too busy thinking about what he would do with his money. God said: “You fool. This night your soul will be required of you; then whose shall those things be?” Our lives are short (James 4:14) and death is certain (Hebrews 9:27). Our treasures should be “laid up in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-21).

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