In the Bible, the term “shrewd manager” refers to a figure in the parable of the unjust steward (Luke 16:1-13), who is praised for his cleverness in managing his master’s assets to secure his own future. This story highlights the use of worldly wisdom and resourcefulness, encouraging believers to be wise in their stewardship and to use their resources for the Kingdom of God.
Scripture
1 He also said to the disciples, “There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was wasting his possessions.
2 And he called him and said to him, ‘What is this that I hear about you? Turn in the account of your management, for you can no longer be manager.’
3 And the manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do, since my master is taking the management away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg.
4 I have decided what to do, so that when I am removed from management, people may receive me into their houses.
5 So, summoning his master’s debtors one by one, he said to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’
6 He said, ‘A hundred measures of oil.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.’
7 Then he said to another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ He said, ‘A hundred measures of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and write eighty.’
8 The master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light.
9 And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings.
10 “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.”
11 If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?
12 And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own?
13 No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Meaning of the Shrewd Manager in the Bible
The parable of the shrewd manager in Luke 16:1-13 showcases a complex blend of ethics and practical wisdom. In this story, a steward, facing termination for mismanagement, devises a plan to reduce debts owed to his master, allowing him to ingratiate himself with the debtors and secure future support. Interestingly, the master commends the unjust steward for his “shrewd” actions, acknowledging the manager’s acumen in worldly matters. This acknowledgment serves to emphasize a crucial biblical principle: the expectation for believers to apply wisdom and resourcefulness in their lives, particularly in the context of their spiritual and material stewardship.
The broader meaning reflects on the juxtaposition of worldly and divine values, as seen in verse 8: “For the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.” This statement challenges believers to reflect on their own stewardship practices—suggesting that if the world can exhibit such cleverness in temporary pursuits, Christians should likewise be shrewd in their approach to eternal matters. This parable ultimately calls for a proactive and intentional use of resources to promote God’s Kingdom, urging believers to prioritize spiritual wealth over earthly gain, as conveyed in the concluding verse: “You cannot serve God and money” (Luke 16:13). In sum, the shrewd manager’s story invites a deeper wisdom that not only secures one’s own future but also furthers the mission and values of Christ.
The theme of shrewdness and wise stewardship is echoed throughout various passages in the Bible, where the emphasis lies on the importance of discernment in the management of both resources and relationships. In the wisdom literature, particularly in Proverbs, one finds numerous verses that celebrate prudence and foresight as vital attributes. For example, Proverbs 22:3 highlights the prudence of the wise, who see danger and take refuge, while the inexperienced continue on and suffer harm. This highlights the necessity of being shrewd and cautious in decision-making, reinforcing the value of insight in navigating both worldly and spiritual challenges. These teachings encourage individuals to develop a thoughtful approach to life’s complexities, wisdom that transcends mere survival and fosters a culture of responsibility and insight.
Additionally, the New Testament further amplifies this idea through various exhortations to live wisely and demonstrate shrewdness in interactions. For instance, in Matthew 10:16, Jesus tells His disciples to be as shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves, highlighting a dual aspect of being both wise and gentle in their mission. This call encourages believers to engage with the world skillfully, balancing wisdom and integrity in a manner that reflects their faith. Such exhortations compel Christians not only to understand the principles of wise management but also to apply these principles actively in their evangelism and discipleship efforts. Thus, the expectation of shrewdness, while reflecting the earlier parable of the shrewd manager, calls believers to harness their discernment and planning abilities to advocate for God’s glory in an often convoluted world.
The Value of Wisdom and Prudence
The parable of the shrewd manager illustrates the importance of wisdom and prudence in managing resources. The manager’s ability to navigate a challenging situation demonstrates that being shrewd—understanding how to act wisely and strategically—can lead to favorable outcomes. This teaches that believers should cultivate discernment and foresight in their own lives, particularly in how they handle their responsibilities and relationships.
The Concept of Stewardship
The shrewd manager also highlights the biblical principle of stewardship. In the context of the parable, the manager is accountable for the resources entrusted to him, and his actions reflect a deeper understanding of his role as a steward. This serves as a reminder that individuals are called to manage their gifts, talents, and resources wisely, recognizing that they ultimately belong to God. The emphasis on stewardship encourages believers to act responsibly and ethically in all areas of life.
The Importance of Preparation for the Future
Another broader meaning derived from the shrewd manager’s actions is the significance of preparing for the future. The manager’s strategic decisions were aimed at securing his future after losing his job. This aspect of the parable encourages believers to think ahead and make prudent choices that will benefit them in the long run. It underscores the idea that foresight and planning are essential components of a faithful life, urging individuals to consider the eternal implications of their earthly decisions.
How to Cultivate Wise Stewardship in Christian Living
Cultivating wise stewardship in your Christian life is about recognizing that everything you have—your time, talents, and treasures—ultimately belongs to God. Start by prayerfully assessing how you currently use these gifts; are they aligned with His purposes? Consider setting aside intentional time for prayer and reflection, asking God to guide you in making choices that honor Him. Engage in your community by volunteering your skills or resources, which not only blesses others but also deepens your own faith. Remember, stewardship isn’t just about financial giving; it’s about how you manage your relationships, your health, and your environment. By living with gratitude and a mindset of abundance, you’ll find that wise stewardship transforms not only your life but also the lives of those around you, reflecting the love and grace of Christ in all you do.
Bible References to the Shrewd Manager:
Matthew 10:16-20: 16 “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”
17 Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues,
18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles.
19 When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour.
20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Proverbs 12:15-20: 15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
but a wise man listens to advice.
16 The vexation of a fool is known at once,
but the prudent ignores an insult.
17 Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit.
18 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
19 Truthful lips endure forever,
but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,
but those who plan peace have joy.
Proverbs 14:8-15: 8 The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way,
but the folly of fools is deceiving.
9 Fools mock at the guilt offering, but the upright enjoy acceptance.
10 The heart knows its own bitterness,
and no stranger shares its joy.
11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed,
but the tent of the upright will flourish.
12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
13 Even in laughter the heart may ache,
and the end of joy may be grief.
14 The backslider in heart will be filled with the fruit of his ways,
and a good man will be filled with the fruit of his ways.
15 The simple believes everything,
but the prudent gives thought to his steps.
Proverbs 22:3-7: 3 The prudent sees danger and hides himself,
but the simple go on and suffer for it.
4 The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.
5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked; whoever guards his soul will keep far from them.
6 Train up a child in the way he should go;
even when he is old he will not depart from it.
7 The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.
Proverbs 27:12-17: 12 The prudent sees danger and hides himself,
but the simple go on and suffer for it.
13 Take a man’s garment when he has put up security for a stranger, and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for an adulteress.
14 Whoever blesses his neighbor with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, will be counted as cursing.
15 A continual dripping on a rainy day and a quarrelsome wife are alike;
16 Whoever restrains her restrains the wind
and grasps oil with his right hand.
17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
Ecclesiastes 7:11-19: 11 Wisdom is good with an inheritance, an advantage to those who see the sun.
12 For the protection of wisdom is like the protection of money, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.
13 Consider the work of God: who can make straight what he has made crooked?
14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him.
15 In my vain life I have seen everything. There is a righteous man who perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man who prolongs his life in his evildoing.
16 Be not overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise. Why should you destroy yourself?
17 Be not overly wicked, neither be a fool. Why should you die before your time?
18 It is good that you should take hold of this, and from that withhold not your hand, for the one who fears God shall come out from both of them.
19 Wisdom gives strength to the wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city.
1 Corinthians 3:18-23: 18 Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise.
19 For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness,”
20 and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.”
21 So let no one boast in men. For all things are yours,
22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours,
23 and you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.
Ephesians 5:15-21: 15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,
16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.
17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,
19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,
giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.