We have been thinking of how this short little speech made by the rich fool reveals his heart and character.

1. He plans to obtain even more for himself. "And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods," verse 18. No distributing to those who have nothing! No, just storing them up for himself. Here is how we should think as Christians! "Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth," Eph 4:28 "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate," 1 Timothy 6:17-18.

In truth, this is why God prospers the Christian - that they might help others!

2. He believes that his abundance is a guarantee of "many years" of happy life!  How foolish. The Eastern barn is a pit built underground with an opening at the top. The man proposed to enlarge his by pulling down the walls or sides and extending them. Little did he think that others would be digging a grave for him very soon!

3. He was looked on as a wise man but God called him a 'fool'! "But God said unto him, Thou fool," verse 20.

Now we will consider why God called him a fool.

1. Because he never gave a thought to his death! In all his thoughts there was no room for a consideration of eternity! It was with him as if RICHES could stay the approach of death!

2. Because with all his industry, he gave no thought to his soul! What good his riches now that his soul is lost forever! Your soul is to be valued MORE than anything else you possess. "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" Matthew 16:26.

3. Because he gave no thought to the great truth that God can call a person into eternity in a moment! "Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee," verse 20. The word "required" is an interesting word. It means "to demand back'! See: "Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again," Luke 6:30.

Where did your soul come from? "Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it," Ecclesiastes 12:7. By Whom it is created, Who puts it into the bodies of men, that is where our soul came from and to Whom it will return when we die!