But when the ruler heard this, he became very sad, because he was extremely wealthy.
In these verses we have, I. Christ's discourse with a ruler, that had a good mind to be directed by him in the way to heaven. In which we may observe, 1. It is a blessed sight to see persons of distinction in the world distinguish themselves from others of their rank by their concern about their souls and another life.
Commenting on Luke 18:18-30
And when he heard this,.... That one thing was wanting, and what that was, which was to part with all his worldly substance, and follow Christ; he was very sorrowful, for he was very rich; See Gill on Mat 19:22.
was very sorrowful--Matthew (Mat 19:22) more fully, "went away sorrowful"; Mark still more, "was sad" or "sullen" at that saying, and "went away grieved." Sorry he was, very sorry, to part with Christ; but to part with his riches would have cost him a pang more. When Riches or Heaven, on Christ's terms, were the alternative, the result showed to which side the balance inclined.