Albert Barnes Commentary Luke 16:8

"And his lord commended the unrighteous steward because he had done wisely: for the sons of this world are for their own generation wiser than the sons of the light." — Luke 16:8 (ASV)

The lord commended. He praised or expressed admiration for his wisdom. These are not the words of Jesus commending him, but a part of the narrative or parable. His master commended him—saw that he was wise and considerate, even though he was dishonest.

The unjust steward. It is not said that his master commended him because he was unjust, but because he was wise. This is the only thing in his conduct for which any approval is expressed, and this approval was expressed by his master. This passage cannot be used, therefore, to prove that Jesus meant to commend his dishonesty. It was a commendation of his shrewdness or forethought; but the master could no more approve of his conduct as a moral act than he could the first act of cheating him.

The children of this world. These are those who are devoted to this world, who live for this world only, and who are careful only to obtain property and to provide for their temporal necessities. It does not mean that they are particularly wicked and profligate, but only that they are worldly and anxious about earthly things. See Matthew 13:22; 2 Timothy 4:10.

Are wiser. They are more prudent, cunning, and careful about their particular business. They show more skill, study more plans, and contrive more ways to provide for themselves than the children of light do to promote the interests of religion.

In their generation. Some have thought that this means in their manner of living, or in managing their affairs. The word generation sometimes denotes the manner of life (Genesis 6:9; Genesis 37:2). Others suppose that it means toward or among the people of their own age. They are more prudent and wise than Christians in regard to the people of their own time; they turn their connection with them to their advantage and make it serve their worldly interests, while Christians fail much more to use the world in such a manner as to serve their spiritual interests.

Children of light. These are those who have been enlightened from above—who are Christians. This may be considered as the application of the parable. It does not mean that it is wiser to be a worldly person than to be a child of light, but that those who are worldly show much prudence in providing for themselves: they seize occasions for making good bargains, are active and industrious, try to turn everything to their best advantage, and thus exert themselves to the utmost to advance their interests. In contrast, Christians often let opportunities for doing good pass unimproved; are less steady, firm, and careful about eternal things; and thus show less wisdom. Alas! This is too true; and we cannot help but reflect here how different the world would be if all Christians were as careful, diligent, and prudent in religious matters as others are in worldly things.