The older brother is not just insulted because he behaved better but was treated worse (15:29-30). Neither is he simply acting out his fear over his inheritance207 that he now may be obliged to share. Instead, he is angry because some basic rules have been broken—not oppressive rules that destroy life but rules without which no civil life would be possible.208 The one who works (15:29) deserves more recognition than the one who squanders; celebrating the squanderer is squandering. The one who obeys where obedience is due (15:29) deserves more honor than the one who irresponsibly breaks
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