Luke 12:15 - a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions

Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."

And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

Then He said to them, "Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions."

Luke 12:15

Commentary

Covetousness, or greed, is based on the foolish belief that what matters in life is how much one has. It may be money (as is the case here), or status, power, intelligence, beauty, even spiritual blessings; it is possible to covet anything that can be acquired. The idea is that having that thing will make us content. But biblically, only God can-and will-satisfy our real needs, as Jesus goes on to show (12:22-31).

Word in life study Bible . 1997, c1996 (electronic ed.) (Lk 12:15). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
Covetousness

Covetousness is the selfish desire to have what another person owns, usually material possessions. It indicates ruthless greed, the all-consuming lust to own more, and was a sin. In Ephesians, Paul compared the covetous man with the idolater (Eph. 5:5).

Thomas Nelson, I. (1997, c1995). Woman's study Bible . (Lk 12:15). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.