Luke 14:30

30 saying -- This man began to build, and was not able to finish.

Luke 14:30 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 14:30

Saying, this man began to build
He set out well, he promised great things, and made a considerable bluster and stir, as if he would carry things at once to a very high pitch:

and was not able to finish;
it was all noise and talk, and nothing else: falling off from a profession of religion, exposes men to contempt and scorn; such are not only cast out of churches with disgrace, but are despised by men, by wicked men; and are a reproach, a proverb, and a taunt in all places; and even are mocked by devils too.

Luke 14:30 In-Context

28 `For who of you, willing to build a tower, doth not first, having sat down, count the expense, whether he have the things for completing?
29 lest that he having laid a foundation, and not being able to finish, all who are beholding may begin to mock him,
30 saying -- This man began to build, and was not able to finish.
31 `Or what king going on to engage with another king in war, doth not, having sat down, first consult if he be able with ten thousand to meet him who with twenty thousand is coming against him?
32 and if not so -- he being yet a long way off -- having sent an embassy, he doth ask the things for peace.
Young's Literal Translation is in the public domain.