Parable of the Unjust Steward — KJV Bible Study Guide
A free 10-lesson Bible study guide on parable of the unjust steward, drawn entirely from the King James Version. Each lesson opens with a study question, gives the verse reference, and offers a short teaching note. Use it for personal devotions, a small group, or a Sunday school class.
The 10 lessons
Lesson 1 · Luke 16:1 (KJV)
What was the steward accused of?
Answer: Wasting his lord's goods
Study note. There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. (Luke 16:1)
Lesson 2 · Luke 16:2 (KJV)
What did the lord tell the steward?
Answer: Give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward
Study note. And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward. (Luke 16:2)
Lesson 3 · Luke 16:3 (KJV)
What did the steward reason within himself?
Answer: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed
Study note. Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed. (Luke 16:3)
Lesson 4 · Luke 16:5 (KJV)
What did the steward do to secure his future?
Answer: Called his lord's debtors and reduced their bills
Study note. So he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord? And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty. (Luke 16:5-6)
Lesson 5 · Luke 16:8 (KJV)
What did the lord commend the unjust steward for?
Answer: For doing wisely
Study note. And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light. (Luke 16:8)
Lesson 6 · Luke 16:9 (KJV)
What does Jesus say about mammon?
Answer: Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations
Study note. 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)
Lesson 7 · Luke 16:10 (KJV)
What does Jesus say about faithfulness in little?
Answer: He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much
Study note. He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. (Luke 16:10)
Lesson 8 · Luke 16:13 (KJV)
What does Jesus say about serving two masters?
Answer: 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
Study note. 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. (Luke 16:13)
Lesson 9 · Luke 16:14 (KJV)
What were the Pharisees' reaction to this parable?
Answer: They derided Jesus, because they were covetous
Study note. And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him. (Luke 16:14)
Lesson 10 · Luke 16:15 (KJV)
What is exalted among men?
Answer: That which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God
Study note. And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. (Luke 16:15)
Key verses to memorize
The passages this study returns to most often — pick one or two and commit them to memory this week.
Discussion questions
- Which lesson in this study surprised you the most, and why?
- How does parable of the unjust steward point us to Jesus Christ and the gospel?
- Pick one verse from the key passages above. How does it shape the way you will pray, read, or live this week?
- Who in your life could you share one of these truths with in the next seven days?