Luke 16:7

Then said hee to another, And how much owest thou? And hee said, An hundred measures of wheat. And hee saide vnto him, Take thy bill and write fourescore. Luke 16:7 (KJV)

The passage quoted above belongs to the larger narrative known as the parable of the unjust steward or the shrewd manager (Luke 16:1‑13). In this parable Jesus tells a story about a wealthy master and his steward who has been accused of squandering his master’s possessions and is about to be dismissed. In response the steward devises a plan to secure his future by reducing the debts owed to his master.

The steward’s conversation with the debtors, as reflected in the quoted verse, shows him asking a debtor how much he owes, receiving the answer that the debtor owes a hundred measures of wheat, and then instructing the debtor to take his bill and write fourscore—effectively reducing the debt by twenty measures. Another part of the same passage records a debtor who owed ten measures of wheat having his debt reduced to five. Both details illustrate the steward’s practice of lowering what is owed in order to gain favor.

From this parable several lessons emerge:

• Resourcefulness and wise planning: Although the steward’s actions are dishonest, Jesus remarks on his shrewdness in securing a future for himself. This highlights the importance of using the resources God has entrusted to us prudently and planning wisely for the future.
• Worldly wisdom versus kingdom values: The steward’s cleverness meets worldly standards of practicality, yet his dishonesty conflicts with the higher ethical standards of God’s kingdom. Believers are called to pursue righteousness and integrity rather than merely worldly gain.
• Faithfulness in small matters: The steward’s mishandling of his master’s property leads to his dismissal, reminding us that faithfulness in seemingly minor responsibilities reflects our character and prepares us for greater trust.
• Strategic relationship‑building and generosity: By reducing the debts, the steward seeks to win the goodwill of those indebted to his master. Likewise, believers are encouraged to extend grace, forgiveness, and generosity, building relationships that honor God’s purposes.

Overall, Luke 16:7‑13 invites us to reflect on how we manage resources and relationships. It challenges us to align our actions with the values of God’s kingdom—being prudent, ethical, faithful, and generous—rather than relying solely on worldly pragmatism.