UASV’s Daily Devotional All Things Bible, Wednesday, May 28, 2025

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Use Riches Wisely: A Devotional on Luke 16:9

Preparing for Eternity Through Faithful Stewardship

Luke 16 contains the parable of the “unrighteous steward,” a challenging account in which Jesus uses the actions of a dishonest manager to illustrate a spiritual principle about wisdom and foresight in the use of earthly possessions. In Luke 16:9, Jesus presents a pointed lesson drawn from the story:
“Also, I say to you, make friends for yourselves by means of the riches of unrighteousness, so that when such fail, they may receive you into the everlasting dwelling places.”

This statement, though initially puzzling, carries deep theological and practical significance. It speaks not of dishonesty or worldly scheming, but of using temporary material resources in ways that produce eternal benefit. Jesus is not praising corruption; he is commanding wise and righteous stewardship.

Understanding this verse requires examining each phrase in its proper context—considering the parable that precedes it (Luke 16:1–8), the broader theme of stewardship in Luke’s Gospel, and the consistent message of scripture regarding wealth, accountability, and eternal reward.

The Context: The Parable of the Unrighteous Steward (Luke 16:1–8)

Jesus tells of a steward who was about to be dismissed for mismanagement. Knowing he was soon to be unemployed, he acted quickly—reducing debts owed to his master in order to win favor with others who might later assist him. His actions were dishonest, yet his shrewdness is acknowledged by the master in the parable (Luke 16:8).

The key lesson drawn is not approval of corruption, but praise of prudence—the steward acted decisively to secure his future, albeit in a worldly sense. Jesus uses this as a contrast: if even worldly people make calculated decisions to protect their future, how much more should God’s people act wisely to prepare for eternity?

“Make friends for yourselves by means of the riches of unrighteousness…”

The phrase “riches of unrighteousness” (Greek: τοῦ μαμωνᾶ τῆς ἀδικίας, tou mamōna tēs adikias) refers to material wealth, not necessarily acquired dishonestly, but belonging to a world system marked by unrighteousness. It is called “unrighteous” not because money is inherently sinful, but because it is rooted in a temporal, fallen world, prone to misuse and idolatry.

The command to “make friends” using this wealth does not mean buying favor or engaging in bribery. Rather, it means using your resources to assist others—especially fellow believers and those in need—in such a way that those you bless will recognize your faithfulness before God.

These “friends” may refer to:

The poor or needy brethren you help in this life (cf. Proverbs 19:17; Luke 14:13–14),
Or potentially, angels or heavenly witnesses who observe your righteous use of wealth (cf. Luke 12:8–9; 1 Timothy 5:21).

The precise identity of the “friends” is less important than the principle: use temporary material wealth to produce spiritual fruit and prepare for eternal reward. Jesus is not advocating friendship as a transaction, but as an outcome of godly generosity.

“So that when such fail…”

The phrase “when such fail” points to the inevitable loss of all material wealth. All earthly possessions are temporary and uncertain (Proverbs 23:5; 1 Timothy 6:7). Riches will fail—whether through economic collapse, death, or the return of Christ. Jesus’ point is clear: since wealth will not last, use it now for what will.

This echoes His earlier teaching in Luke 12:33–34:
“Sell your belongings and give gifts of mercy. Make money pouches that do not wear out, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail.”

Those who hoard wealth for themselves will lose it forever. Those who invest it in others for the sake of righteousness will reap eternal benefits.

“They may receive you into the everlasting dwelling places”

This phrase reveals the eternal perspective of the entire passage. The “everlasting dwelling places” (Greek: τὰς αἰωνίους σκηνάς, tas aiōnious skēnas) refers to heavenly habitations—the eternal reward granted to the faithful who have served God with sincerity and sacrifice.

While some may interpret “they” (who receive you) as the poor or others who benefited from your generosity, it is most accurate to understand this as a figure of speech. The focus is not on who receives the believer, but on the result of their faithfulness: that they will be welcomed into eternal life, with the approval of heaven.

This is consistent with the broader teaching of Christ:

Matthew 25:34–40 – The righteous are rewarded for serving “the least of these” and are welcomed into the kingdom.
Luke 12:42–44 – The faithful steward is made ruler over all the master’s possessions.
1 Timothy 6:18–19 – The wealthy are urged to “be rich in fine works,” storing up a good foundation for the time to come.

In every case, faithful use of material resources results in eternal reward—not earned merit, but divine recognition of obedience.

Lessons for the Christian Today

Luke 16:9 is not about manipulation or monetary gain. It is a solemn exhortation to live with eternal priorities. Wealth is not evil, but it is dangerous when used selfishly. The believer must approach all material possessions with the mindset of a steward—not an owner.

Key takeaways:

Use money with a spiritual goal
Meet needs, support faithful works, assist the suffering, and build the church. Give not to be seen, but to glorify God.
Invest in people, not possessions
What you give to another, especially a fellow believer, becomes a testimony of your faith and will not be forgotten (Hebrews 6:10).
Live with an eternal mindset
Earthly riches will fail. Only what is done for Christ will last. The believer must measure success not by savings, but by spiritual impact.
Avoid the deceitfulness of riches
Jesus warned that riches can choke the word (Luke 8:14). The love of money is the root of all sorts of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). The wise steward uses wealth, not for indulgence, but for righteousness.

Conclusion: Faithful Now, Rewarded Forever

Luke 16:9 calls the believer to a higher view of money—not as a tool for personal comfort, but as a temporary means to eternal ends. Jesus does not tell us to despise wealth, but to redeem it—to use it in service of the kingdom, for the good of others, and for the glory of God.

All riches will fail. But the soul that invests in what matters will be welcomed—not by gold, not by mansions, but into the eternal dwelling prepared by God Himself.

“Make friends for yourselves by means of the riches of unrighteousness, so that when such fail, they may receive you into the everlasting dwelling places.”
Let us live accordingly.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).