What Is the Parable of the Unjust Steward — In Biblical Context
Jesus told of a dishonest steward who shrewdly used his master's resources to secure his future—teaching believers to be wise in using worldly resources for eternal purposes.
Jesus told of a dishonest steward who shrewdly used his master's resources to secure his future—teaching believers to be wise in using worldly resources for eternal purposes.
"And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations." — Luke 16:9 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
In Luke 16:1-13, Jesus told of a steward who was about to be fired for wasting his master's goods. Before losing his position, he reduced the debts of his master's debtors to win their favor. The master commended the steward's shrewdness (not his dishonesty). Jesus used this as a lesson: 'Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.' The parable teaches that believers should use earthly resources wisely and generously for kingdom purposes, being as strategic about spiritual matters as worldly people are about financial ones.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Luke 16:9, sits inside Luke 16. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations."
Supporting Passages
"No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon."
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