Luke 16:9

And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.

Luke 16:9 (KJV)

Context

This verse concludes the Parable of the Unjust Steward, which Jesus tells to his disciples. In the parable, a rich man dismisses his steward for wasting his goods. Before leaving, the steward reduces the debts owed to his master, securing favor from the debtors. The master commends the steward for acting shrewdly, and Jesus then applies the lesson directly to his followers in verse 9.

Meaning

Jesus commands, “Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness.” The phrase “mammon of unrighteousness” refers to worldly wealth or material possessions, which are temporary and often acquired in a fallen world. Jesus is not endorsing dishonesty; rather, he urges believers to use earthly resources wisely and generously, so that when wealth fails—at death or the end of the age—those who have been helped will welcome them into “everlasting habitations,” meaning eternal dwellings or heaven.

The verse is a direct command from Christ, not a mere suggestion. It teaches that material possessions are a trust to be used for eternal purposes. By investing in others and advancing God’s kingdom, believers demonstrate that their true allegiance is not to money but to God. This does not imply salvation by works; instead, genuine faith naturally produces a wise and generous use of resources.

Biblical connections

The broader context of Luke 16 reinforces this teaching. In Luke 16:13, Jesus warns that no one can serve both God and mammon, showing that the use of wealth reveals one’s priorities. The parable itself contrasts the shrewdness of worldly people with the need for believers to be equally intentional in using worldly means for spiritual ends.

Application

Believers are called to be faithful stewards of all they possess. This means using finances and material goods to bless others, promote justice, and support the work of God’s kingdom. Such generosity builds relationships that extend into eternity and lays up treasure in heaven. The parable is not primarily about money but about the heart: Jesus calls his followers to manage every area of life, including finances, for God’s glory and the well-being of others.

Reflection

Consider how you use the resources God has entrusted to you. Do your spending and giving reflect an eternal perspective? Jesus invites you to be shrewd in a holy sense—using temporary wealth to make lasting friendships and to store up treasure that will welcome you into everlasting habitations.