What does Luke 12:15 mean?
“And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.””
Quick answer
Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.
What it means
Jesus warns sharply: "be on your guard." Covetousness sneaks; it must be watched for.
"Life does not consist in… possessions" cuts against a deep human assumption. We naturally measure life by what we have; Jesus refuses.
The parable that follows — the rich fool — embodies the warning. His soul was required of him the very night his barns filled.
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Original BibleDawn explanation · reviewed 2026-06-07. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.