Luke 19:23
Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?
Luke 19:23
Verse 23 continues the master’s rebuke about prudent use of entrusted resources. The master asks why the servant did not invest the money in the bank “that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury.” The banking reference would have conveyed a safe, modest return, a plausible expectation for stewardship in a world where harvests and markets were volatile. This is not a call to become wealth-accumulators for their own sake, but to exercise faithfulness: even a “safe” return would have demonstrated fidelity. The context is a parable about the Kingdom of God breaking into ordinary life—how people manage what God entrusts to them when the Master is away. It challenges readers to consider not just grand acts of piety but the steady, disciplined management of life’s resources in line with God’s purposes.
Theologically, the verse emphasizes responsible stewardship as integral to discipleship. It underlines that God expects tangible profitability—fruit from faith—not merely belief. The point is not merely about making money but about the heart posture behind it: trust in God’s provision should translate into wise, principled use of resources. The “usury” motif also hints at righteousness in economic life: honest gain, ethical behavior, and generosity as expressions of faithful management. The verse reinforces the idea that God’s kingdom reorganizes normal life into a pattern of responsible stewardship, where outcomes are measured by faithfulness rather than fear or laziness.
For today, treat your finances, skills, and time as fields to cultivate for God’s purposes. If you’re tempted to bury resources in the background—avoiding risk, avoiding generosity—refocus on prudent, principled stewardship. Practical steps: create a budget that prioritizes generosity and mission; identify a consistent way to invest your talents—volunteering, mentoring, or supporting a cause; set small, incremental goals for spiritual growth that require disciplined effort. This verse also invites honest conversations within families and churches about stewardship expectations and accountability. It’s about moving from passive belief to active, responsible living that bears measurable fruit in the world.
Cross-References: Malachi 3:10; Luke 16:10-12; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8; Proverbs 21:5; 1 Timothy 6:17-19