“And He said to them, ‘You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.’”
Luke 16:15
Our verse appears in the context of a very interesting story the Lord Jesus told His disciples. The story centers around a shrewd businessman whom the owner of a company appointed as manager. In this business, transactions were made by exchanging goods rather than paying in money. When the owner learned that his manager was wasting or squandering his goods, he decided to dismiss him (Luke 16:1–2).
The manager did not want to end up begging on the streets, so he came up with a plan to secure help from his business associates. He reduced the amounts that these men owed so they would be able to pay their debts quickly. In doing so, they would feel obligated to help him once he lost his position. Surprisingly, the owner actually appreciated the manager’s cleverness (Luke 16:3–8).
The lesson here is clear: we must all give an account of how we use our goods and money. We are not owners, but managers—stewards. “It is required in stewards that one be found faithful” (1 Cor. 4:2). We are to be wise with what God has entrusted to us. God will reward us according to our faithfulness with what He has placed in our hands (Luke 16:10–12). If we are not faithful with what we’ve been given, we end up enslaved by our money and disloyal to our God (Luke 16:13).
The Pharisees, who were listening, believed wealth was a reward for keeping the law. They mocked the Lord Jesus for what He taught, turning up their noses at His words. Since they were obsessed with displaying their own righteousness, the Lord said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.”
God knows our hearts! He knows every motive behind what we do. Paul instructs us, “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31). He reminds us again, “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Col. 3:23).
Anchor For Today:
We serve the Lord who searches and knows the heart. May we be found faithful to do all for His glory!