Shrewd: having or showing sharp powers of judgment; astute.
Synonyms: astute, sharp, clever, and cunning.
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus shares the Parable of the Shrewd Manager (Luke 16:1-13), a story that offers valuable insights into financial stewardship and the role of money in our lives.
The Story
The parable begins with a rich man who learns that his manager has been squandering his wealth. He calls the manager and tells him he can no longer manage his affairs. The manager, realizing his predicament, devises a plan to ensure he will be welcomed into the homes of his master’s debtors once he loses his job.
He calls each debtor and reduces their debts significantly. The first debtor, who owes nine hundred gallons of olive oil, has his debt halved. The second debtor, who owes a thousand bushels of wheat, has his debt reduced by twenty percent.
When the master learns of this, he commends the dishonest manager for his shrewdness. Jesus then uses this story to teach His disciples about the use of worldly wealth and the importance of being trustworthy in handling it.
Practical Money Lessons
This parable, while complex, offers several practical lessons about money management:
Be Shrewd with Worldly Wealth: The manager used his master’s wealth to secure his future. While his methods were dishonest, the principle of using worldly wealth wisely is important. We should aim to use our resources in ways that benefit us and others in the long term.
Tip: Create a budget today to track your income and expenses. This helps you see where your money is going and allows you to make informed decisions.
Trustworthiness Matters: Jesus emphasizes that those who can be trusted with little can also be trusted with much. This applies to our finances. If we are responsible with small amounts, we can be trusted with larger amounts.
Tip: Start saving a small, consistent amount every month. Even a modest amount shows discipline and builds trust with yourself and others.
Money is a Tool, Not a Master: Jesus warns that no one can serve two masters. If we let money control us, it becomes our master. Instead, we should view money as a tool to be used wisely.
Tip: Set financial goals that align with your values. Decide what’s important to you and allocate your resources accordingly.
Use Wealth to Build Relationships: The manager used his master’s wealth to make friends. While we shouldn’t use money to manipulate others, we can use it to build and strengthen relationships, such as by giving generously or helping those in need.
Tip: Perform one act of generosity today, whether it’s donating to a charity, helping a friend, or treating someone to a meal.
Prepare for the Future: The manager knew he was losing his job and took steps to prepare for the future. Similarly, we should plan for our financial future, including unexpected events or changes in our income.
Tip: Start an emergency fund. Aim to save three to six months’ worth of living expenses in a separate account.
Integrity is Key: Although the manager is commended for his shrewdness, his actions were dishonest. It’s a reminder that while being savvy with money is important, maintaining our integrity is crucial.
Tip: Make a commitment today to be honest in all financial dealings. Review your financial transactions and ensure they align with your ethical standards.
The Parable of the Shrewd Manager encourages us to be wise with our finances, to use money as a tool rather than letting it control us, and to always act with integrity. It’s a timeless lesson in financial stewardship that remains relevant today.
Reflect on how you handle your finances. Are you using your resources wisely and with integrity? Take a moment to assess your financial habits and make changes where needed. Start today by implementing one of the practical lessons from the parable, whether it’s planning for the future, using wealth to build relationships, or ensuring you act with integrity in all financial dealings. Let’s strive to be better stewards of the resources we’ve been given.
