John Calvin Commentary Genesis 13:5

"And Lot also, who went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents." — Genesis 13:5 (ASV)

And Lot also, which went with Abram. Next follows the inconvenience that Abram suffered through his riches: namely, that he was torn from his nephew, whom he tenderly loved, as if from his own flesh and blood. Certainly, if the option had been given to him, he would rather have chosen to cast away his riches than to be parted from him whom he had regarded as an only son; yet he found no other way to avoid disputes.

Should we attribute this trouble to his own excessive sullenness or to the presumptuousness of his nephew? I suppose, however, that we must instead consider God's design. There was a danger that Abram might be too pleased with his own success, since prosperity blinds many. Therefore, God tempers the sweetness of wealth with bitterness, and does not allow His servant's mind to be too captivated by it.

And whenever a mistaken assessment of riches drives us to desire them excessively, because we do not perceive the great disadvantages that they bring with them, let the memory of this story serve to restrain such excessive attachment to them. Furthermore, whenever the rich find any trouble arising from their wealth, let them learn to purify their minds by this remedy, so that they may not become excessively attached to the good things of this present life.

And truly, unless the Lord were occasionally to restrain men, to what depths would they not fall when they overflow with prosperity? On the other hand, if we are constrained by poverty, let us understand that, by this method also, God corrects the hidden evils of our flesh.

Finally, let those who have plenty remember that they are surrounded by thorns and must take care that they are not pricked; and let those whose circumstances are restricted and difficult know that God is caring for them, so that they may not be caught in evil and harmful snares. This separation was sad for Abram, but it was suitable for correcting much hidden evil, so that wealth might not suppress the armor of his zeal.

But if Abram needed such an antidote, let us not wonder if God, by inflicting some blow, should curb our excesses. For He does not always wait until the faithful have fallen, but looks ahead for them into the future. So He does not actually correct the avarice or the pride of His servant Abram, but by a preemptive remedy, He ensures that Satan will not infect his mind with any of his temptations.