Luke 12:19 – “And I’ll say to myself, ‘You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.’”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, the rich man reveals the final step of his self-centered plan: to sit back, relax, and enjoy the wealth he has stored up. He believes that by securing his material possessions, he has guaranteed himself a life of ease, pleasure, and security. The phrase “take life easy; eat, drink and be merry” reflects a mindset focused on worldly enjoyment without considering eternal consequences.
The problem is not that the man wants to enjoy life—it’s that he assumes his wealth is the key to lasting happiness and security. He is so focused on his earthly comfort that he completely ignores the spiritual reality of his soul. Jesus uses this verse to expose the foolishness of living for temporary pleasures while neglecting the eternal condition of the heart.
This verse sets the stage for the shocking turn in the parable, where God calls the man a fool and declares that his life will end that very night (Luke 12:20).
Historical Context
In ancient Jewish society, prosperity was often associated with God’s blessing. Many people believed that having material wealth was a sign of God’s favor and that it could provide security and peace. The man in this parable embodies this cultural mindset—he thinks that because he has an abundance of resources, he can rest easy and enjoy life without worry.
The phrase “eat, drink and be merry” reflects a common expression in both Jewish and Greco-Roman culture. It signified a carefree attitude and a focus on living for the moment. However, this mindset ignored the spiritual warnings found throughout Scripture, which teach that life is fleeting and that we are accountable to God for how we live.
In contrast to the rich man’s attitude, Jewish teachings emphasized the importance of gratitude to God and generosity toward others. The man’s decision to hoard his wealth and live for himself violates these principles and reveals his spiritual blindness.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the danger of placing trust in material wealth instead of in God. The rich man assumes that his possessions will provide lasting security, but he fails to realize that life is fragile and that true security comes only from a relationship with God. His self-reliance blinds him to the reality that wealth cannot prevent death or guarantee eternal life.
Theologically, this verse speaks to the issue of idolatry. The man’s wealth has become his god—it’s the thing he depends on for peace, joy, and meaning. This idolatry leads him to neglect the most important aspect of life: his soul’s relationship with God. Jesus warns that this kind of misplaced trust is ultimately destructive.
This passage also addresses the concept of stewardship. God gives us resources to manage, not to hoard or use selfishly. The man’s failure to recognize his wealth as a gift from God and his refusal to use it for good reflect poor stewardship. Instead of viewing his abundance as an opportunity to bless others, he sees it as a means to indulge himself.
Literary Analysis
Luke 12:19 is a key moment in the parable, revealing the rich man’s mindset and the ultimate flaw in his thinking. The phrase “I’ll say to myself” indicates that the man’s decisions are driven by internal dialogue rather than by seeking God’s wisdom. His self-centered language—using “I” and “my” repeatedly—emphasizes his selfishness and lack of consideration for others.
The use of the phrase “eat, drink and be merry” is ironic because it foreshadows the man’s impending death. While he plans for years of pleasure, he doesn’t realize that his life will end that night. This literary irony underscores the parable’s main lesson: material wealth cannot protect us from life’s uncertainties or from God’s judgment.
The contrast between the man’s plans and God’s response in the next verse (Luke 12:20) highlights the futility of trusting in riches. The parable builds toward this moment to emphasize the sudden and unexpected nature of God’s judgment.
Biblical Cross-References
- Ecclesiastes 8:15 – “So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad.” (However, Ecclesiastes also warns that life is temporary and that we are accountable to God.)
- Proverbs 27:1 – “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.”
- James 4:13-15 – “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.”
- 1 Timothy 6:17-19 – A warning to the rich not to place their hope in wealth but in God, and an encouragement to be generous and share with others.
- Matthew 6:19-21 – “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christians, this verse is a sobering reminder to examine what we are living for. Are we pursuing wealth and comfort at the expense of our relationship with God? The rich man’s mistake was not that he had wealth but that he trusted in it for security and happiness. He assumed that material success was the key to a good life, but Jesus shows that this mindset is foolish.
This verse challenges believers to prioritize eternal values over temporary pleasures. Instead of striving for earthly comfort, we are called to seek God’s kingdom and trust Him to meet our needs. It’s not wrong to enjoy life or to be wise with our resources, but we must remember that our ultimate security comes from God, not from wealth.
It also encourages generosity. When we view our resources as gifts from God, we can use them to bless others and advance His kingdom instead of hoarding them for personal gain.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in the fact that He warns us about the dangers of misplaced priorities. Jesus tells this parable not to condemn wealth but to show that relying on it leads to spiritual ruin. God loves us too much to let us waste our lives chasing things that don’t matter in the end.
God’s love is also seen in His provision. He gives us blessings to enjoy, but He also calls us to use them wisely and with gratitude. When we recognize that our resources come from Him, we can experience the joy of living generously and trusting in His provision.
Ultimately, God’s love is shown in His desire for us to experience true and lasting joy. By warning us against the emptiness of materialism, He invites us to find our satisfaction in Him, the source of eternal life.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the one telling this parable, and His life provides the perfect example of how to live with the right priorities. Unlike the rich man, Jesus did not seek earthly wealth or comfort. He lived a life of humility and selflessness, trusting completely in the Father’s provision.
In 2 Corinthians 8:9, Paul writes, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.” Jesus gave up the riches of heaven to offer us the greatest treasure—eternal life.
Through His death and resurrection, Jesus shows that true security is not found in possessions but in a relationship with God. When we trust in Him, we gain an inheritance that will never perish, spoil, or fade (1 Peter 1:4).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are you placing too much trust in material possessions or financial security? How can you shift your focus to trusting God instead?
- What does “being rich toward God” mean, and how can you apply that in your life?
- How can you enjoy the blessings God has given you without falling into the trap of greed or self-reliance?
- Are you using your resources to bless others, or are you primarily focused on storing them for yourself?
- How can the example of Jesus’ humility and generosity inspire you to live differently in a world that values wealth and comfort?
This verse reminds us that life is fragile, and true fulfillment comes from living for God, not for ourselves. When we trust Him and use our resources to serve His purposes, we experience the kind of joy and security that money can never provide.