And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. The father resents not the insult-how could he, after the largeness of heart which had kissed the returning prodigal? He calmly expostulates with him, 'Son, listen to reason. What need for special, exuberant joy over thee? Saidst thou not, "Lo, these many years do I serve thee"? Wherefore then set the whole household a rejoicing for thee? For thee is reserved what is higher still-the tranquil life-long satisfaction of thy father in thee, as a true-hearted faithful son in thy father's house; nor of the inheritance reserved for thee is anything alienated by this festive and fitting joy over the once foolish but now wise and newly recovered son.'