Luke 16 opens with the parable of the dishonest steward who, upon hearing that his master was accusing him of wasting his possessions and about to fire him, called each debtor and reduced the amount written on the bills so that “when I lose my job as steward, they may welcome me into their homes.” The master commended the steward for his shrewdness in worldly matters because “the children of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than the children of light” (v.8). Jesus adds: “Use dishonest wealth to make friends for yourselves…” and “No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve both God and money” (vv.9,13).
Why Commentaries Often Call This a “Difficult” Parable
The master’s commendation of the character’s trickery sparks debate. Catholic commentaries (New Jerome, ICC) often explain: the praise is directed at practical shrewdness in social relations — it does not justify fraud; the application shifts to using fleeting wealth to invest in relationships and good works before the day of judgment, rather than praising dishonest behavior.
You cannot serve both God and money.
— Luke 16:13 (meaning according to various translations)Sticking Closely to the Text
The passage continues with words about the Law and the parable of Lazarus. “Dishonest wealth” (mammon) is personified as an opponent of God in v.13. This article adds no details not found in Luke; it only reminds readers to read the whole chapter to see the thread of wealth/poverty and faithfulness.
Careful Application
Avoid concluding that “deception is permissible if it brings benefit”; the focus is on choosing one master and using money to serve the Kingdom of God.
Application
Use income, time, and relationships to help the poor and proclaim the Gospel — “make friends” in the Gospel sense: preparing to meet the One who welcomes the merciful. The next passage about Lazarus and the rich man (Luke 16:19–31) reinforces the same theme: money misused has consequences; read the two sections together to avoid misunderstanding “shrewdness” in a merely worldly sense.
Summary
- The steward is about to be fired, adjusts debts.
- The master praises practical shrewdness — comparing children of this world / children of light.
- Use fleeting wealth for things that last.
- Two masters: God or money.
