Is there "no place for fools in the Kingdom"? : a gloss to a reading of the parable of the dishonest steward (Luke 16: 1-13)

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This paper reflects upon one of the most controversial parables in the Gospel, which, due to its exegetical complexity, has aroused controversies among the Bible scholars. The currently prevailing interpretation of the story of the dishonest steward tells the following moral lesson: unlike the shrewd steward who showed his astonishing cleverness to secure a wealthy life in view of a possible loss of his position, the Christs disciples should be wise in coping with dangerous situations and in caring about eternal life. Traditionally, Luke 16:1-13 has been understood as a positive, even if shocking, lesson on the prudent use of mammon. Such prudence is a constructive test of the human ability to handle heavenly riches. However, in his paper the author proposes another (ironic) interpretation of this parable by referring to one of the key verses (v. 8a-8b), which makes it possible to show the ultimate message by the Evangelist in a slightly different way and provides a stimulus for further discussion of this enigmatic parable.