“And he had abundant fruit”—that is, a great abundance, as implied by the indefinite form. His two gardens had reached full fruition, ⦗477⦘ their trees hung heavy with produce, and neither had suffered any blight or deficiency. This was the very pinnacle of worldly beauty in cultivated land. The man was therefore beguiled by his gardens, became boastful and proud, and forgot the Hereafter.

(34–36) “He said to his companion, while conversing with him, ‘I have greater wealth than you and am mightier in manpower.’”

That is, the owner of the two gardens said to his believing companion as they conversed and exchanged words about some ordinary matter, boasting over him: “I have greater wealth than you and am mightier in manpower.” He boasted of his abundant wealth and the strength of his supporters—his slaves, servants, and relatives. This was sheer ignorance on his part. After all, what cause is there to boast of something external that reflects neither personal virtue nor any moral quality? It is no better than a child’s pride in fantasies that have no reality behind them. Nor was it enough for him merely to boast over his companion; when he entered his garden, his ignorance and wrongdoing led him to pass judgment and make assumptions.