What Profit Is It to a Man If He Gains the Whole World and Loses His Own Soul
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III reflects on Christ’s words: “What profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, yet loses his own soul?” He explains that the soul is man’s greatest treasure—created by God with reason, freedom, and immortality—and that worldly gain is worthless if it costs one’s eternal life.
🔸 1. The Meaning of “Soul” in Scripture
In the Bible, “soul” can mean the breath of life, the spirit, or the whole person. Thus, losing one’s soul means losing one’s entire being—body, spirit, and eternity.
🔸 2. The Soul: God’s Precious Gift
God endowed man with reason, conscience, will, emotions, and freedom. Man is free to choose good or evil; his destiny depends on his own decision.
🔸 3. The Danger of Neglecting the Soul
Many live for pleasure and ignore eternity, even destroying their own souls through sin and selfishness. God sets before us life and death and urges: “Choose life, that you may live.”
🔸 4. “He Who Loves His Life Will Lose It”
This means those who love themselves wrongly—seeking only comfort and luxury—will perish. True love for the soul means disciplining it for salvation.
🔸 5. Self-Control as the Way of Salvation
To save the soul, one must control thoughts, desires, and senses. Fasting, repentance, and vigilance preserve purity. The uncontrolled soul perishes even if it gains everything worldly.
🔸 6. Biblical Examples
Adam, Solomon, and the rich fool lost sight of their souls, while Moses, Joseph, and St. Paul chose to lose the world and gain eternity.
🔸 7. Those Who Lose Themselves Lead Others Astray
Like Satan, who fell and dragged many with him, people who live in sin often cause others to stumble. True love seeks not only one’s salvation but also others’.
🔸 8. The Path to Preserve the Soul
“Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine… for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you” (1 Tim. 4:16).
Watch your soul, rebuke it, and pray for grace to keep it pure.
🔸 Spiritual Conclusion
The soul is worth more than the entire world. All possessions, power, and pleasure are temporary, but the soul is eternal. Guard it with humility, repentance, and love for God.
“Save your soul—nothing in the world can replace it.”
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