29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,
29 For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you,
29 Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him,
29 If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you're going to look pretty foolish. Everyone passing by will poke fun at you:
29 lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him,
29 Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 14:29
Commentary on Luke 14:25-35
(Read Luke 14:25-35)
Though the disciples of Christ are not all crucified, yet they all bear their cross, and must bear it in the way of duty. Jesus bids them count upon it, and then consider of it. Our Saviour explains this by two similitudes; the former showing that we must consider the expenses of our religion; the latter, that we must consider the perils of it. Sit down and count the cost; consider it will cost the mortifying of sin, even the most beloved lusts. The proudest and most daring sinner cannot stand against God, for who knows the power of his anger? It is our interest to seek peace with him, and we need not send to ask conditions of peace, they are offered to us, and are highly to our advantage. In some way a disciple of Christ will be put to the trial. May we seek to be disciples indeed, and be careful not to grow slack in our profession, or afraid of the cross; that we may be the good salt of the earth, to season those around us with the savour of Christ.