Luke 15:12

The younger; he represents openly wicked persons, such as the "publicans and sinners"; as the elder son does the Pharisees, "who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others." His living; literally, the living, that is, the estate in his hands. He paid over to the younger son his portion, but reserved in his own hands the elder son's portion. Wicked men wish to have their concerns in their own hands. They would rather choose and direct their course, than have God do it for them. This is setting up their wisdom and goodness above his, and will end in sad disappointment.