p. 83 | The Rich Fool by E. Hilliard

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Feb 5, 1885

The Rich Fool.

By E. Hilliard

THE hearts of men in the days of our Saviour were permeated with that same avaricious spirit and love of gain that so characterizes men of to-day.

It appears that two brothers who were to share in the estate left them by inheritance, were disagreed as to its proper division. One of them, realizing the power and influence of the Master, came to him and said, "Speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me." The Saviour gave him to understand that his mission was not to adjust the secular affairs of men, so he replied, "Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?" He then turned to the large assembly and admonished them to beware of covetousness. To more forcibly impress upon their minds the great danger of cherishing a greedy spirit, he spake to them the parable of the "rich fool" recorded in Luke 12:16-20.

It seems that this man had been blessed with an uncommon harvest. So much so that he was perplexed to know what to do with his increase. Finally he decided to tear down his present buildings, and build some of greater capacity. After his work was completed, and his fruit and grain gathered in, he complacently viewed his well filled barns, and said within himself, "Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry."

He looked forward to a life of ease and comfort. Full of strength and vigor, not a thought of the grave entered his mind. "He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved; for I never shall be in adversity." He, undoubtedly, was such a man as the world regards wise. One that the newspapers of the day would laud for his financial ability; one whose example would be held up for our young men to imitate.

How differently our Saviour regards such men. He well knew the uncertainty of riches, and the doom of their possessor. Instead of commending his worldly wisdom and ability to accumulate, he depicted in few words how Heaven regards all such covetous characters. He said: "Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee; then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?"

How soon his hopes were blighted. Before the sun had again risen upon his broad acres, he lay motionless in death. His well filled barns stood as a monument of his folly. How many, many times since the days of our blessed Lord has the history of the rich but foolish man been repeated! True to life is this picture of our Saviour's painting, and yet how few heed the lesson. The world go crowding down the broad thoroughfare of wealth, only at last to awaken, when too late, to find that they have grasped at fleeting shadows. Oh, why not take the advice of one who so well knows the human heart? Listen to his words: "Lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is there will your heart be also."

E. HILLIARD.