The length and happiness of life does not consist in the amount of our earthly possessions. This foolish rich man in his supreme selfishness had laid up for himself treasures that he could not use. He had lived only for himself. He had over-reached in trade, had made sharp bargains, and had not exercised mercy or the love of God. He had robbed the fatherless and widow, and defrauded his fellow men, to add to his increasing stock of worldly possessions. He might have laid up his treasure in heaven in bags that wax not old; but through his covetousness he lost both worlds. Those who humbly use to the glory of God the means that He has entrusted to them will receive their treasure by and by from the Master’s hand with the benediction: “Well done, good and faithful servant: ... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” {3T 402.1}

Livets varighed og lykke består ikke i mængden af vore jordiske besiddelser, Den tåbelige rige mand havde i sin store egoisme samlet sig skatte, som han ikke kunne bruge. Han havde kun levet for sig selv. Han havde narret andre i handel, havde været skarpsindig i forretning og havde ikke lagt Guds barmhjertighed eller kærlighed for dagen. Han havde bedraget den faderløse og enken og besveget sine medmennesker for at forøge sit voksende forråd af timeligt gods. Han kunne have samlet skatte i himmelen i punge, som ikke ældes; men ved sin begærlighed gik han glip af begge verdener. De, der i ydmyghed og til Guds ære bruger de midler, han har betroet dem, vil en gang modtage deres skat af Mesterens bånd med velsignelsen: »Vel, du gode og tro tjener! ..... gå ind til din Herres glæde!«