Luke 16:15Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The Lord unveils the concealed trickery of the Pharisees, demonstrating that while they appear virtuous, they are detestable in the eyes of God due to their prideful disposition. He states, "You exhibit righteousness in front of others, believing that you possess the exclusive insight to comprehend and convey what is essential; thus, you dismiss my words as absurd, desiring the esteem of the crowds as instructors of truth. Yet, the reality differs. God perceives your innermost thoughts and finds your arrogance to be repugnant as a result of your thirst for human admiration. 'For what is exalted among men is an abomination before God.' 'Every person who is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord' (Proverbs 16:5).

When the Savior of all had spoken extensively to them but realized their deceitful intentions and desires remained unchanged, preferring their inherent ignorance, He resorted to more severe denunciations necessitated by the situation. He exposed them as hypocrites and deceivers, lurking at the altars while coveting the honor that belongs to the truly righteous, without genuinely embodying such virtue. Instead of seeking God’s approval, they sought the accolades of men.

He addressed them, stating, "You appear just in the eyes of others, yet the Lord perceives your innermost thoughts. These are indeed corrupted and detestable. What is esteemed by humanity is an abomination in the sight of God. Thus, He proclaims, 'Even if you have not erred in any other way, pride among men is loathsome to God, rendering those who are arrogant abominable.'"

Brothers, consider what is articulated. If that which is esteemed by people is detestable to God, then the elevation of our hearts is diminished in His sight as it rises in the eyes of humanity, and the lowliness of our hearts, while esteemed by Him, diminishes in the view of men. Therefore, let us strive to be unpretentious; if we perform any virtuous act, let it not lead to arrogance. Neither wealth nor renown should inflame our pride. Should we harbor internal pride over an abundance of possessions, we render ourselves despicable before God.

The Pharisees, upon hearing this teaching about selflessness, merely mocked it, believing that their adherence to the Law was sufficient to earn them their rightful place in the kingdom of God. However, the Lord chastised their wickedness: you may seem righteous in the eyes of men, yet God perceives your hearts. You cling dearly to your legalism. What is esteemed among men, what they elevate in lieu of God, is detestable to Him. I direct your attention to the very Law on which you base your beliefs. Its external constraints, its temporal manifestations—the Law and the Prophets—have faded since the days of John. Yet, the intrinsic and eternal essence continues to endure.

In response to the ridicule from the Pharisees, Christ first condemns their false righteousness, asserting that God perceives the true nature of their hearts. They present themselves as strict adherents of the law to others, creating the illusion that their virtues lead to a flow of wealth. However, Christ reveals to them that God is aware that their hearts are filled with the desires of greed and lust rather than the reverence for Him, and thus He does not regard their righteousness. For that which is esteemed by men is detestable to God.

The Lord gently responded to their scornful laughter, saying, “You claim to be just in the sight of others; you attempt to mislead them with your feigned righteousness; yet God understands your innermost thoughts. You view wealth and material possessions as a form of worldly authority that elevates individuals; however, realize that riches, which you perceive as so esteemed and influential among people, are insignificant before God, in fact, a detestable barrier that prevents many from achieving the joy of eternal life. You comfort yourselves with the belief that you meticulously follow all the decrees set forth by Moses and the traditions of the ancients, thinking that this will grant you access to the kingdom of the Messiah, as if it were your rightful inheritance. But you are deceived...

Rather than engaging in insincere fasting for the sake of human admiration, Christ's disciples should strive to detach themselves from worldly possessions. In contrast, the Pharisees and the Jewish people generally perceived their existence to be defined by material wealth, amassing treasures and desperately trying to enrich themselves. In response to this vice, Christ instructed: ‘Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For if we invest ourselves entirely in accumulating earthly wealth, we risk neglecting heavenly matters.

The concept of righteousness before others is a criticism of hypocrisy. You strive merely to project an image of being virtuous, devout, and obedient to the law, while failing to embody these qualities genuinely, misleading people with your façade of piety; however, not everyone is deceived by this pretense. God, who possesses perfect knowledge, is aware of the true nature of your righteousness and will not only refuse to acquit you but will also bring judgment upon you (cf. note to Matthew 5:20, Matthew 6:1-2, 5-6, 16). The Lord declares that what is esteemed by mankind is detestable in the sight of God.