Luke 16:14

“And the Pharisees also who were covetous, etc.] Or lovers of money, the love of which is the root of all evil; and that they were, is evident from their devouring widows' houses, under a pretence of making long prayers for them, (<402314>Matthew 23:14) heard all these things; as well as the disciples, being in company with them, (<421502>Luke 15:2) even the parable concerning the unjust steward, and the application of it; and the directions given about using the things of this world, and the distributing of them to the poor, and showing a greater concern for riches of an higher nature: and they derided him: lift up their nose, or drew it out to him, as the word signifies, in a sneering way;…”

“covetous . . . derided him--sneered at Him; their master sin being too plainly struck at for them to relish. But it was easier to run down than to refute such teaching.”

“They derided him - The fact that they were “covetous” is here stated as the reason why they derided him, or, as it is literally, “they turned up the nose at him.” They contemned or despised the doctrine which he had laid down, probably because it showed them that with their love of money they could not be the true friends of God, or that their profession of religion was really false and hollow. They were “attempting” to serve God and mammon, and they, therefore, looked upon his doctrine with contempt and scorn. Justify yourselves - “Attempt” to appear just; or; you aim to appear righteous in the sight of people, and do not regard the heart. That which is highly esteemed - That is, mere…”

“16:14 The Pharisees . . . heard all this and scoffed: Wealth was commonly believed to be a reward from God, so the Pharisees derided Jesus’ warning against riches.”

“who: Luk 12:15, Luk 20:47; Isa 56:11; Jer 6:13, Jer 8:10; Eze 22:25-29, Eze 33:31; Mat 23:14 derided: Luk 8:53, Luk 23:35; Psa 35:15, Psa 35:16, Psa 119:51; Isa 53:3; Jer 20:7, Jer 20:8; Heb 11:36; Heb 12:2, Heb 12:3 Luke 16:15”