Do Not Be Afraid
Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide yourselves with purses that will not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. Luke 12:33 · Berean Standard Bible
Jesus says: sell what you have and give to the poor. Build a wallet that never wears out -- treasure in heaven that no thief can steal and no moth can destroy. Invest in what lasts.
If you really believe God provides, generosity becomes the most logical thing in the world. Why hoard what you don't need when you can invest in eternity?
Jesus calls for radical generosity as the practical proof that you trust God with your future.
This is where faith gets practical. Jesus isn't asking you to be foolish -- He's inviting you to be strategic about eternity. Earthly treasure fades; heavenly treasure is forever.
The radical command: sell possessions (pōlēsate ta hyparchonta) and give alms (eleēmosynēn). This creates balantion (purses) that don't wear out, thēsauron anekleipton (inexhaustible treasure) in heaven, safe from thieves and moths.
This teaching directly counters the rich fool's strategy. Instead of building bigger barns, sell and give. Heavenly investment replaces earthly hoarding. The moth (sēs) and thief (kleptēs) represent the vulnerability of all earthly wealth.
Jesus commands radical generosity as the practical expression of kingdom-seeking faith.
After establishing trust in God's provision, Jesus calls for dramatic action: sell, give, and invest in heaven. This isn't asceticism for its own sake but the natural response to believing God will provide.
31But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added unto you.
32Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.
33Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide yourselves with purses that will not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.
34For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
35Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning.
Read all of Luke 12 — Sparrows, barns, and a thief in the night — Jesus teaches his followers to stop hoarding and start trusting. Worry is the opposite of faith.
This page covers one. BibleKey does all 31,102 — tap any verse for its meaning, any word for its Hebrew or Greek root, and keep reading without leaving the chapter.
Not just the famous ones. BibleKey is free on iPhone and iPad.
Download on the App StoreFree on iPhone & iPad