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Luke 16:12
ESV And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own?
NIV And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else's property, who will give you property of your own?
NASB And if you have not been faithful in the use of that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own?
CSB And if you have not been faithful with what belongs to someone else, who will give you what is your own?
NLT And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own?
KJV And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?

What does Luke 16:12 mean?

Jesus draws out more practical and spiritual applications of the parable of the dishonest manager (Luke 16:1–8). The fact that the master didn't discover his manager's irresponsibility immediately suggests the manager had a great deal of autonomy. The manager has arranged things so that he may get a job with another, but what kind of responsibilities will he have? He has proven to be unfaithful, so it's unlikely he will have such responsibility and autonomy again in the future. Conspiring to cheat one's employer might make friends, but those friends aren't likely to trust you with their money.

During life on earth, this verse applies to ministry. If a ministry worker or an associate leader is not faithful with the ministry in which they serve, it's not prudent to allow him to lead another ministry or serve with even greater responsibility.

Ultimately, this verse speaks the truth about our situation at the resurrection. God-followers will have responsibilities during the millennial kingdom, apparently based on how we faithfully served on earth (1 Corinthians 6:2). In addition, Christians will receive blessings depending on their good works (2 Corinthians 5:10). If we are not faithful with what we are given now, we are unlikely to be greatly rewarded in heaven (1 Corinthians 3:12–15).

Jesus began His applications by explaining that those who use their money to bless others show they have a heart for God (Luke 16:9). He will finish on the same theme with stronger words: no one can love both God and money (Luke 16:13).
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