Albert Barnes Commentary Luke 16:4

"I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses." — Luke 16:4 (ASV)

I am resolved. He thought about his condition. He looked at the plans that occurred to him. He had been dishonest and knew that he must lose his position. It would have been better to have considered before this, and resolved on a proper course of life, and to be faithful to his trust; and his perplexity here teaches us that dishonesty will sooner or later lead us into difficulty, and that the path of honesty is not only the right path but is also the path filled with the most comfort and peace.

When I am put out, etc. This means when I lose my position and have no home or means of support.

They may receive me, etc. These are those who are now under me, and whom I am resolved now to favor. He had been dishonest to his master, and, having commenced a course of dishonesty, he did not shrink from pursuing it. Having injured his master, and now being detected, he was willing to injure him still further, to take revenge on him for removing him from his position, and to secure his own interest still at his master's expense. He was resolved to put these people under such obligations, and to show them so much kindness, that they could hardly refuse to return the kindness to him and give him support. We may learn here:

1. That one sin leads to another, and that one act of dishonesty will be followed by many more, if there is an opportunity.
2. People who commit one sin cannot carry on consistently without committing many more. One lie will demand many more to make it appear like the truth, and one act of cheating will demand many more to avoid detection. The beginning of sin is like the letting out of waters, and no one knows, if they indulge in one sin, where it will end.
3. Sinners are selfish. They care more about themselves than about God or truth. If they seek salvation, it is only for selfish ends and because they desire a comfortable place in the future world, rather than because they have any regard for God or His cause.