Supplementary to "You Fool!"
Barnes Notes On the New Testament
Albert Barnes was an American Presbyterian cleric of the early 19th century. We offer his summing up on the Parable of the Rich Fool because of the valuable insights he records. The language is a little unfamiliar to us today, but it is worth the effort.
Barnes writes:
From this instructive parable we learn: (1.) That wicked men are often singly prospered — their ground brings forth plentifully. God gives them their desire, but sends leanness into their soul (2.) That riches bring with them always an increasing load of care and anxieties. (3.) That they steal away the affections from God — are sly, insinuating, and dangerous to the soul. (4.) That the anxiety of a covetous man is not what good he may do with his wealth, but where he may hoard it, and keep it secure from doing any good. (5.) That riches cannot secure their haughty owners from the grave. Death will come upon them suddenly, unexpectedly awfully. In the very midst of the brightest anticipations — in a moment — in the twinkling of an eye — it may come, and all his wealth cannot alleviate one pang, or drive away one fear, or prolong one moment of his life. (6.) That the man who is trusting to his riches, in this manner, is a fool in the sight of God. Soon, also, he will be a fool in his own sight, and will go to hell with the consciousness that his life has been one of eminent folly. (7.) That the path of true wisdom is to seek first the kingdom of God, and to be ready to die; and then it matters little what is our portion here, or how suddenly or soon we are called away to meet our Judge. If our affections are not fixed on our riches, we shall leave them without regret. If our treasures are laid up in heaven, death will be but going home, and happy will be that moment when we are called to our rest.
(Kregel Publications, Michigan 1962)
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