What did Jesus mean about making friends by worldly wealth in Luke 16:9?

TL;DR:

Luke 16:9 advises prudent use of wealth as an investment in what has lasting benefit. Money should be used for God’s will and with an eternal perspective.

In Luke 16:9 Jesus says, “And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings." The parable of the unjust steward precedes this verse (Luke 16:1–8). The characters in the parable are unrighteous, and readers are not meant to emulate their sinful ways. Instead, Jesus uses this story to communicate a spiritual principle about preparing for eternal life by being shrewd stewards of our resources during our present life. This concept matches the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus teaches His followers to "lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven" (Matthew 6:20). Jesus wants believers to use our resources to advance His eternal kingdom while we’re in this earthly realm. This principle of investing money toward lasting returns is seen throughout the Old Testament, too. The Mosaic law included commandments about using resources to honor the Lord (Proverbs 3:9–10; Malachi 3:10) and give to the needy (Deuteronomy 15:7–8). Following these precepts has lasting effects because doing so glorifies the One who put them in place, making God known to the nations (Isaiah 42:6). Overall, Luke 16:9 and many other parts of the Bible teach that money isn’t to be hoarded but used prudently toward what really matters: God’s eternal kingdom.

from the old testament

Deuteronomy 15:7–8 encourages using the resources God has blessed us with to help others: “If among you, one of your brothers should become poor, in any of your towns within your land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother, but you shall open your hand to him and lend him sufficient for his need, whatever it may be.” Money is temporary, but carrying out God’s will through our resources is eternally significant.
Proverbs 3:9–10 advises us to “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.” As with many proverbs, this one offers wise advice on the use of resources. That sort of practical wisdom, not dishonesty, is the trait to take away from Luke 16. A wise person uses wealth to honor and glorify God, which makes an eternal difference.
Proverbs 27:23–24 advises, “Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds, for riches do not last forever; and does a crown endure to all generations?” The temporary nature of money should encourage us to make the best use of it: for God’s glory.

from the new testament

Luke 16:9 records Jesus’ advice after relating the parable of the dishonest manager: "And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings." Jesus isn’t advising us to be dishonest like the manager in the parable. The phrase “unrighteous wealth” is a characterization of money, not our actions. People are often greedy with money. Rather than hoarding wealth, though, we should use our God-given financial resources toward something lasting: The furtherance of God’s kingdom. Luke 16:9 is about preparing for the eternal life to come by being wise stewards of our resources in the present.

This concept matches Jesus’ advice in Matthew 6:19–20, part of the Sermon on the Mount: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Laying up treasures in heaven includes obeying the greatest commandment to love God and the second greatest, to love our neighbor (Matthew 22:37–40). One way believers do that is by using financial resources to do God’s will, including giving to the needy. As Luke 16:9 indicates, money will fail, but the investment of it in God’s eternal kingdom will not.
Though he was dishonest, the steward in the Luke 16 parable demonstrates the sowing and reaping principle expressed in 2 Corinthians 9:6–7: “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” When we give toward the Lord’s kingdom, we are sowing the seeds leading to eternal life.

implications for today

Are you investing in your future? Many people put money aside for their children’s education, for a long-awaited vacation, and for retirement. These are part of prudent planning for our earthly future (Proverbs 13:22; 21:20). But the wisest investments are ones that have eternal consequences, the ones that advance God’s kingdom. When we donate financially to our church or missions, when we give to the needy, when we are generous with our time, we are helping to propel God's plan "on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10). By doing this, we are storing up eternal rewards and making friends in this life and the life to come. An alternate translation of Luke 16:9 puts it this way: “Here's the lesson: Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home" (NLT). But we must never start thinking of this advice as a give-to-get scheme. We are saved through grace alone by faith alone, not works (Ephesians 2:8–9). Our giving should be an outgrowth of our love for God.

understand

We are called to use worldly wealth to invest in eternal purposes and to build relationships that honor God’s kingdom.
Wealth is temporary, so it should be used prudently to benefit others and glorify God.
Financial resources should further God’s kingdom rather than be hoarded for personal gain.

reflect

How are you currently using your financial resources to advance God’s kingdom?
In what ways do you prioritize eternal investments over temporary wealth?
How can you ensure that your use of wealth reflects your love for God and others?

engage

How does Jesus’ teaching in Luke 16:9 challenge society’s view of money and its purpose in life?
What are practical steps we can take to align our financial decisions with an eternal perspective?
How can we balance the need for prudent earthly planning with a commitment to investing in God’s kingdom?

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