Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 6:27

"And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit unto the measure of his life?" — Matthew 6:27 (ASV)

Several options are available for translating this verse (see NIV note; see comment on Lk 12:25–26). Worry is more likely to shorten life than to prolong it, and ultimately such matters are in God’s hands (cf. Lk 12:13-21). To trust him should be enough.