John Calvin Commentary Luke 12:21

"So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." — Luke 12:21 (ASV)

So is he that lays up for himself. As the two clauses are evidently contrasted, the one must be taken into account for the exposition of the other. Let us ascertain, therefore, what is meant by being rich in God, or, “towards God” or, “with respect to God.”

Those who are reasonably familiar with the Scriptures know that the preposition εἰς often can mean ἐν. But whether it is understood in the one sense or in the other matters little, for the meaning is essentially that they are rich according to God who do not trust in earthly things but depend solely on his providence. It does not matter whether they are in abundance or in need, provided that both classes present their sincere prayers to the Lord for their daily bread.

The corresponding phrase, lays up for himself, conveys the idea that this man paid no attention to the blessing of God, but anxiously heaped up an immense store, so that his confidence was shut up in his barns.²⁷³

Hence we may easily conclude that the parable was intended to show that vain are the deliberations and foolish attempts of those who, trusting to the abundance of their wealth, do not rely on God alone, and are not satisfied with their own share, or prepared for whatever may befall them;²⁷⁴ and, finally, that such persons will suffer the penalty of their own folly.

²⁷³ “En sorte que la fiance de l’homme est en ses greniers, ou en ses coffres;” — “so that the confidence of the man is in his granaries, or in his chests.”;” — “so that the confidence of the man is in his granaries, or in his chests.”

²⁷⁴ “Estans prests a recevoir ce qu’il plaira a Dieu leur envoyer;” — “being prepared to receive what God may be pleased to send to them.”;” — “being prepared to receive what God may be pleased to send to them.”