What Is the Parable of the Rich Fool?
What Is the Parable of the Rich Fool? Jesus warned about a rich man who hoarded his wealth and planned to enjoy it, but God said, 'This night thy soul shall be required of thee'—teaching that earthly riches cannot secure eternal life.
Key verse: Luke 12:20 (KJV)
Jesus warned about a rich man who hoarded his wealth and planned to enjoy it, but God said, 'This night thy soul shall be required of thee'—teaching that earthly riches cannot secure eternal life.
Jesus warned about a rich man who hoarded his wealth and planned to enjoy it, but God said, 'This night thy soul shall be required of thee'—teaching that earthly riches cannot secure eternal life.
"But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?" — Luke 12:20 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
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The Biblical Answer
In Luke 12:16-21, Jesus told of a rich man whose land produced abundantly. Rather than being generous, he planned to build bigger barns to store everything, saying to himself, 'Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.' But God called him a fool, saying his soul would be required that very night. Jesus concluded: 'So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.' The parable powerfully warns against greed, self-sufficiency, and neglecting one's spiritual life in pursuit of material security.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Salvation?
What the Bible teaches about salvation, being saved, and how to receive eternal life.
Key Scripture References
"But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?"
"So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Money?
The Bible teaches that money itself is not evil, but the love of money is the root of all evil, and believers must be wise stewards of their finances.
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
The Bible defines love not as a feeling but as a sacrificial choice — modeled perfectly by God's gift of His Son.
How Do You Forgive Others According to the Bible?
Biblical forgiveness means releasing bitterness and choosing not to hold someone's offense against them — just as God in Christ forgave us.
What Does the Bible Say About Money?
The Bible doesn't condemn money itself but warns against the love of money and teaches generosity, contentment, and wise stewardship.
What Is Tithing?
Tithing is the practice of giving a tenth (10%) of one's income to God, rooted in Old Testament law and reflected in New Testament generosity.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
The Parable of the Rich Fool
Luke 12:20 • Stewardship & Responsibility
The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders
Matthew 7:24 • Stewardship & Responsibility
Parable of the Rich Fool Quiz
Bigger barns, a soul required this night (Luke 12).
Parable of the Wise & Foolish Builders Quiz
Building on the rock versus building on the sand.
What Are the Parables of Jesus?
Theology & Doctrine
What is the parable of the prodigal son?
Theology & Doctrine
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Luke. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Luke on day 294 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Is the Parable of the Rich Fool?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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