Luke 16:12
And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own?
Luke 16:12
Luke 16:12 continues the same line of thought: “And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own?” This verse emphasizes trust, ownership, and accountability. The “another man’s” refers to resources entrusted by others or to God. The question implies that stewardship is tested in the use of others’ property or opportunities before one is granted “your own.” The broader story arc is about aligning one’s life with God’s purposes rather than pursuing ownership for its own sake. The cultural context underscores the importance of honor and social responsibility. The question invites readers to examine whether their ambitions for personal ownership are hijacked by integrity lapses or whether they honor the rights, needs, and dignity of others.
The theological core is the sanctity of trust and the principle of divine economy: God entrusts people with resources temporarily to see how they steward them before granting enduring ownership. It connects to themes of authority, accountability, and the Kingdom’s ethics, where true ownership is God’s. It also links to Jesus’ earlier teaching about faithfulness in small matters leading to greater trust. The verse calls believers to examine motives and ensure that ambition for “my own” does not override generosity and integrity.
Practical steps: be faithful with what you currently have—your job, your time, and other people’s resources you manage, such as a shared project or a company budget. For example, if you oversee someone else’s funds, practice transparent reporting and careful stewardship. If you manage a co-op or community program, ensure fair distribution and accountability. Before pursuing a larger personal stake, show reliability in the smaller, “another man’s” duties. The aim is to build trust and demonstrate that you can be trusted with more significant obligations, which can lead to genuine ownership of responsibilities and opportunities that align with God’s purposes.
Cross-References: Luke 16:10; Proverbs 3:27-28; 1 Corinthians 4:2; Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:17