"Eat, drink and be merry" is a reference from which parable?

In the Gospel of Luke, the phrase "Eat, drink and be merry" echoes the timeless parable of the Rich Fool found in Luke 12:13-21. This parable features a wealthy man whose abundant harvest leads him to prioritize earthly pleasures over deeper spiritual considerations. As he revels in his riches, he plans to build bigger barns to hoard his gain, gleefully contemplating his future: "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry."

But in a surprising twist, God speaks to him, saying, "You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you." It’s a reminder that material wealth is fleeting and can’t shield us from mortality—an important message of insight.

In ancient cultures, contemplating wealth and its place in life was nothing new; this sentiment shows up compellingly in texts from across both the Old and New Testaments. For example, Ecclesiastes touches upon the vanity of chasing after riches, stating that all is “meaningless.” After all, what value is treasure stored up when we can’t carry it into eternity?

This parable encourages reflection on what truly matters—relationships, kindness, and personal growth—which sparks a deeper, more fulfilling life. It’s a timeless discussion that resonates well even today, highlighting the ultimate futility of excessive self-indulgence and the importance of generosity and purpose.