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Luke 12:26
ESV If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?
NIV Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
NASB Therefore if you cannot do even a very little thing, why do you worry about the other things?
CSB If then you’re not able to do even a little thing, why worry about the rest?
NLT And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?
KJV If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?
NKJV If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest?

What does Luke 12:26 mean?

Fear of death is quite common, but it will do nothing to extend one's life past the time God ordains (Luke 12:25). Neither, in fact, will working within the world's systems to accumulate wealth and resources (Luke 12:13–21). Jesus' followers are not to fear death. The death of the body may be tragic, but the eternal death of the soul is horrifying (Luke 12:4–5).

If we should not fear death and if we can't even add an hour to our lifespan, it makes sense that we shouldn't be fearful or restless about food and clothing. God can feed ravens on scraps and make beautiful wildflowers that barely last a day; He's proven that He can provide (Luke 12:24, 27–28). Our energies need to be focused on greater things, like sharing that the kingdom of God has come and serving Jesus and His people (Luke 10:9; 12:42–44).

Jesus isn't saying that we shouldn't work to buy food and clothing (Proverbs 6:6–9; 2 Thessalonians 3:10–12). Nor is He saying that God will never let His followers die of starvation or exposure. He's saying anxiety will not provide clothing and food. Instead, we need to seek God's kingdom and trust that He will give us what we need for His purposes (Luke 12:31).
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