“Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock” (Matthew 7:24). Who is wise? Anyone that hears the word of God and adheres to His word; the author is referring to building his house upon a rock and being a wise man. The rock in this case is Jesus Christ, who has provided salvation to all.
Wise is defined as “having or showing wisdom, good sense or good judgment” (Merriam-Webster School Dictionary, P.1059). Reflect with me on this section of Matthew which deals with wise and foolish builders, where Jesus was using parabolic teaching to make a point to His audience. It is wise to build your house on a solid foundation (concrete) in this case Jesus Christ (v 24), the foolish who built his house on sand (v 25) which is minus Jesus Christ. Verse 27 when Jesus speaks of rain and wind, He is referring to troubles that we encounter in life. What anchor’s our life if our house (lives) is built minus of Jesus? When these things come upon the builder (man/humanity) he has nothing to hold onto, therefore, his house (life) is destroyed.
Walk with the writer for a moment and let’s take this scenario out of the spiritual and place it into the natural. Picture yourself building an ocean front house, you decide you do not need a concrete foundation because it is near the beach and being supported by beautiful stilts; upon completion of your mansion with no insurance, a hurricane comes and destroys your magnificent home. Where was your foundation? Who do you call? Get the picture!
Direct your attention to King Solomon, the wisest man that ever lived and is the author of Proverbs. This book means “oracle,” “parable,” or “wise” saying. Another school of thought, Proverbs represents a form of proverbial teaching that was common in the ancient Near East and its wisdom is distinctive of God and His righteous standards for the nation of Israel. We see this form of teaching and God’s righteous standards holds true today; reflecting on the first few chapters of Proverbs and the definition of wise we see the common sense approach of Proverbs. Example, Proverbs 1:2, where it makes sense to approach all living from God’s point of view. Again in verse 7 when it speaks of fear it is referring to reverential fear, which means respect and honor; adoration that is due our creator. In Proverbs 3:5, we are encouraged to “Trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not unto thine own understanding.” Trusting God speaks to our relationship with the Father. This is because an all wise God will not lead His children where He cannot care for them. The second phrase of the verse gives rise to the fallibility of our understanding which is subject to error; therefore, we must be enlightened by God’s Word and the Holy Spirit.
Finally, in closing this dialogue on a wise man, Proverbs 6, states, “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Wise men recognize who God is and His superiority. Wise men include Him in all their plans, activities, and decision-making and allow God through the Holy Spirit to direct his path and remove all obstacles. This enables us to make right choices. When this occurs wisdom is on display. Be wise.
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WILLIE B. WHITE
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