Albert Barnes Commentary Luke 14:19

"And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them; I pray thee have me excused." — Luke 14:19 (ASV)

I go to prove them. To test them, to see if he had made a good bargain. It is worthy of remark that this excuse was very insignificant. He could as easily have tested them at any other time as then, and his whole conduct shows that he was more disposed to gratify himself than to accept the invitation of his friend. He was selfish; just as all sinners are, who, to gratify their own worldliness and sins, refuse to accept the offers of the gospel.