Rich Toward God: The True Meaning of Wealth in Jesus’ Parable of the Rich Fool

The destiny of people who put all their trust in earthly possessions, without regard for matters that determine their eternal destiny, is miserable. Here, Jesus defines real wealth.

A man approached Jesus to ask him to advise his brother to divide the property with him. In ancient times, the Rabbis usually mediated family disputes, such as property division and marriage issues. The man’s request was not unusual, but Jesus used it as an opportunity to teach the true worth of possessions.

Refusing to mediate the dispute, Jesus told the well-known parable of the “Rich Fool.” The farmer was smart enough to cultivate the land for a good harvest. Jesus did not condemn his industrious spirit or his wisdom in planning—building new barns and storing food for many years to come.

His mistake was ignoring God in his plans. He did not know that the “many years” (Luke 12:19) he planned for were not in his control. He ignored the author of life, who decides how long we live.

The subtle definition of being “rich toward God,” which is the story's moral, is giving God, the universe's creator, his due place in all we do. When Jesus narrated the parable, the man in the crowd realised the truth—what matters is not having more but having God in our lives, thoughts, and deeds and having him at the centre of our existence.

True wealth isn’t in what we keep—but in who we centre. Let God be the anchor, not the afterthought.