And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.
Ver. 8. And the lord commended] Gr. ο κυριος, that lord, viz the steward's lord, not the Lord Christ who relateth this parable. Or if we understand it of Christ (as the Syriac here doth), yet he herein no more approveth of this steward's false dealing than he doth of the usurer's trade,Matthew 5:27; or the thieves, 1 Thessalonians 5:2; or the dancers,Matthew 11:17; or the Olympic games,1 Corinthians 9:24 .
Because he had done wisely] The worldling's wisdom serves him (as the ostrich's wings) to make him outrun others upon earth, and in earthly things; but helps him never a wit toward heaven.
Are in their generation wiser] A swine that wanders can make better shift to get home to the trough than a sheep can to the fold. We have not received the spirit of this world, 1 Corinthians 2:12, we cannot shift and plot as they can; but we have received a better thing. The fox is wise in his generation, the serpent subtle, so is the devil too. When he was but young, he outwitted our first parents, 2 Corinthians 11:3 .
Than the children of light] As the angels are called angels of light,2 Corinthians 11:14. God's children are the only earthly angels, have a Goshen in their bosoms, can lay their hands on their hearts with dying Oecolampadius, and say, Hic sat lucis, Here is enough light. (Melch. Adam.)