Luke 16:9

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

Therefore, I tell you, make friends for yourselves by using worldly wealth, so that when it fails [i.e., when you run out of money] they [i.e., the friends you made with its wise and benevolent use] may welcome you into the eternal [i.e., heavenly] dwelling places. [Note: The idea here seems to be that by your shrewd use of material possessions for the benefit of others, you are actually storing up treasures for yourself in heaven].

Cross References

Matthew 19:21

Jesus replied, “If you want to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give [the money] to poor people; then become my follower and you will have treasure in heaven.”

Matthew 6:19

“Do not store your valuables [here] on earth, where moths can eat them and where rust can corrode them, and where burglars can break in and steal [them].

Matthew 6:24

No person can serve two masters, for he will either hate the one and love the other, or else he will cling to the one and look down on the other. You cannot serve God and material things [at the same time].

Luke 11:41

But you should give to poor people what you have inside. [Note: This means either what is inside the dish or what is inside your heart]. And [then] you will see that everything is [ceremonially] clean to you [as well].

Luke 12:33

Sell your possessions and give [the money] to poor people; provide yourselves with money belts that do not wear out [i.e., from the constant use of carrying much money all the time, instead of investing it in others’ needs]. [Then you will possess] an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief can approach, nor moth destroy.

Luke 14:14

Then you will receive a blessing, because these people do not have anything to pay you back with, for you will be paid back when righteous people are raised from the dead.”

Luke 16:11

If therefore you have not been trustworthy in worldly wealth, who will put you in charge of the true [spiritual] riches?

Luke 16:13

No person can serve two masters, for he will either hate the one and love the other, or else he will cling to the one [i.e., as a close friend] and look down on the other. You cannot serve God and material things [at the same time].”

Luke 16:4

I know what I will do, so when I am fired they [i.e., his master’s customers] will welcome me into their homes.’

Acts 10:31

He said to me, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and God has taken account of your giving money to poor people.

Acts 10:4

As he stared at [the angel] in fright, he asked, “What is it, Lord?” [Note: The word “Lord” here could also be translated “Sir,” and its correct rendering depends on whether or not Cornelius understood the angel to be from God]. And the angel replied, “Your [continual] prayers and [generous] gifts to poor people have not gone unnoticed before God.

2 Corinthians 4:17

For our insignificant troubles [here on earth], which last only a short time, are producing for us an immeasurable, never ending [counter-] weight of splendor [i.e., in heaven. See Rom. 8:18]

Jude 1:21

Keep yourselves in God’s love [i.e., continue to love God], as you look forward to [receiving] the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, [who will grant you] never ending life.