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In a parable about a rich merchant with four wives, the man thinks he’s ranked his brides in order
of their value. But when he finds himself gravely ill and facing death, the true identity of each of his
wives holds a valuable lesson for us all!
Like many inspiring movies and books, this short story may be fictional. However, the impact that this
work will have on its readers is very real. Enjoy!
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The merchant also loved the third wife very much. He was very proud of her and always wanted to show
her off to his friends. However, the merchant lived in great fear that she might run away with some other
men.
He, too, loved his second wife. She is a very considerate person, always patient and, in fact, is the
merchant's confidante. Whenever the merchant faced some problems, he always turned to his second
wife and she would always help him out and tide him through difficult times.
Now, the merchant's first wife is a very loyal partner and has made great contributions in maintaining his
wealth and business as well as taking care of the household. However, the merchant did not love the first
wife and although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her.
Thus, he asked the fourth wife, "I loved you most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered
great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?"
"No way!" replied the fourth wife and she walked away without another word. The answer cut like a
sharp knife right into the merchant's heart.
The sad merchant then asked the third wife, "I have loved you so much for all my life. Now that I'm
dying, will you follow me and keep me company?"
"No!" replied the third wife."Life is so good over here! I'm going to remarry when you die!"
"I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!" replied the second wife. "At the very most, I can only send you
to your grave."
The answer came like a bolt of thunder and the merchant was devastated.
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Then a voice called out: "I'll leave with you. I'll follow you no matter where you go."
The merchant looked up and there was his first wife. She was so skinny, almost like she suffered from
malnutrition. Greatly grieved, the merchant said, "I should have taken much better care of you while I
could have!"
Fourth Wife
The fourth wife represents our body. We spend lots of time tending to our body — washing it, dressing
it, nourishing it with food. But no matter how well we care for it, our body will eventually fail us and be
left behind upon death. God designed our earthly bodies to be temporary.
“For it is said, All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flower of the grass. The grass becomes dry
and the flower dead.” 1 Peter 1:24
Third Wife
The third wife is our “stuff” — possessions, wealth, status. Without a true relationship with Christ, many
people get caught up chasing material things. Life becomes about impressing other people. Yet, these
things can vanish at any moment, and certainly don’t do us any good when our lives come to an end.
“Don’t lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves
break through and steal; But make a store for yourselves in heaven, where it will not be turned to dust
and where thieves do not come in to take it away.” Matthew 6:19-20
Second Wife
The second wife is our earthly relationships — friends, family, spouses. No matter how deep and how
strong our relationships grow here on earth, they can only stand by us up to the grave. It’s our relationship
with the Almighty that secures any hope after death.
“For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have
eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day." John 6:40
First Wife
The first wife in this modern day parable represents our soul. It’s the only thing we can take with us after
death. To keep our soul healthy, we must be in a relationship with our Lord and Savior, Christ. And yet,
too often our spiritual life gets neglected as we pursue other things — money, love, careers. Just like the
rich merchant in the parable, our priorities get flipped.
Thankfully, it’s never too late to turn to God! I pray this modern day parable blesses you, and that you
will share it to bless someone else!
I am the vine, you are the branches: He that stays in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much
fruit: for without me you can do nothing.” John 15:5