14 “Friend,”A he said to him, “who appointed me a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15 He then told them, “Watch out and be on guardb against all greed,c because one’s life is not in the abundance of his possessions.”d

16 Then he told them a parable:e “A richf man’s land was very productive. 17 He thought to himself, ‘What should I do, since I don’t have anywhere to store my crops? 18 I will do this,’ he said. ‘I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones and store all my grain and my goods there. 19 Then I’ll say to myself, “You have many goods stored up for many years. Take it easy;g eat, drink, and enjoy yourself.” ’h

20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool!i This very night your life is demanded of you. And the things you have prepared—whose will they be?’j

21 “That’s how it is with the one who stores up treasurek for himself and is not rich toward God.”l