New Testament
Luke 16:15
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Jesus said to them, "You make yourselves look righteous in front of people, but God knows your hearts. What people value most highly is an abomination to God.
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And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
What Luke 16:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus addresses the Pharisees, who were known for their outward displays of righteousness. He points out that while they may appear righteous to others, God sees their true intentions and knows their hearts. The things that people often value, such as wealth, status, and public approval, are not what God values. In fact, these things can be detestable to Him. This teaching emphasizes the importance of inner integrity over outward appearances. It challenges believers to reflect on their motivations and to seek genuine righteousness that aligns with God's standards rather than societal expectations. Jesus is reminding us that true worth is determined by our relationship with God, not by how we are perceived by others.
How to apply Luke 16:15 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine our motivations and actions. Instead of seeking approval from others, we should focus on living authentically and aligning our hearts with God's values. Prioritize inner righteousness over outward appearances to cultivate a genuine relationship with God.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 16:15 mean?
Luke 16:15 highlights that Jesus is addressing the Pharisees, pointing out that they may appear righteous to others but God knows their true intentions. It emphasizes that human values, like wealth and status, can be detestable to God.
What is the meaning of 'God knows your hearts' in Luke 16:15?
The phrase 'God knows your hearts' means that God sees beyond outward appearances and understands our true motivations and intentions. It serves as a reminder that genuine righteousness comes from within, not just from how we present ourselves to others.
How does Luke 16:15 relate to inner integrity?
Luke 16:15 relates to inner integrity by stressing that true righteousness is not about outward appearances but about having a sincere heart aligned with God's values. It encourages believers to prioritize authenticity over seeking public approval.
What does 'abomination in the sight of God' mean in Luke 16:15?
The term 'abomination in the sight of God' refers to things that are detestable or unacceptable to God. In this context, it indicates that the values and priorities often esteemed by people, like wealth and status, do not align with God's standards.
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