The Lord illustrates how He estimates the worldly wealthy who lift up their souls unto vanity because of their earthly possessions, by the rich man who tore down his barns and built greater, that he might have room to bestow his goods. Forgetful of God, he failed to acknowledge whence all his possessions came. No grateful thanks ascended to his gracious Benefactor. He congratulated himself thus: “Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.” The Master, who had entrusted to him earthly riches with which to bless his fellow men and glorify his Maker, was justly angry at his ingratitude and said: “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.” Here we have an illustration of how the infinite God estimates man. An extensive fortune, or any degree of wealth, will not secure the favor of God. All these bounties and blessings come from Him to prove, test, and develop the character of man. {3T 154.1}

Herren illustrerer hvordan han vurderer den verdslige rige som ved jordiske besiddelser holder sin sjæl oppe i forfængelighed, med den rige mand som river sine lader ned og bygger større, så han kan have rum til at anbringe sit gods. Uden at tænke på Gud, indrømmede han ikke hvor alle hans ejendomme kom fra. Ingen taksigelser blev sendt op til hans gavmilde Giver. Han lykønskede sig selv således: »Sjæl! du har meget gods liggende, nok for mange år; slå dig til ro, spis, drik og vær glad!« Mesteren som har betroet ham de jordiske rigdomme hvormed man skal velsigne sine medmennesker og forherlige sin Skaber, blev med rette vred over hans utaknemmelighed og sagde: »Du dåre! i denne nat kræves din sjæl af dig; hvem skal så have det, du har samlet dig? « Således går det den, som samler sig skatte, men ikke er rig hos Gud.« Her har vi en illustration på hvor ubegrænset Gud værdsætter mennesket. En stor formue, eller nogen rigdomme, vil ikke sikre Guds gunst. Alle disse gaver og velsignelser kommer fra ham for at forsøge, prøve og udvikle menneskets karakter.