A Wise Fool, Part 13: "Doer of the Word"

"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock... And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand." Matthew 7:24-26 (ESV)

The Fool: 

The fool is not someone ignorant of His teachings but rather someone who hears His words and chooses not to act on them. This inaction reveals a superficial understanding and a lack of regard for the transformative power of God’s Word. The foolish man builds his house on sand, symbolizing a life without a solid foundation. When the storms of life come, it cannot stand.

James 1:22 warns us not to be merely hearers of the Word, deceiving ourselves. This deception can lead to a false sense of spiritual maturity—thinking we know the truth but failing to live it out. Without action, our faith is dead, and we miss the opportunity to be truly changed.

The Wise:

In contrast, the wise man is a doer of the Word. He doesn’t just listen—he applies what he learns. His wisdom is demonstrated through obedience to Jesus' teachings, which serve as a solid foundation for his life. God’s wisdom is practical and actionable, providing the strength to endure life’s challenges. Building on the rock may take time and effort, but it leads to lasting stability and blessing, as promised in James 1:25: “a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

Practical Takeaway:

In what areas of your life do you need to move from hearing to doing—whether in your relationships, work, finances, or personal integrity? Reflect on where your actions might not fully align with Christ’s teachings, and ask God to help you live out His Word.

Prayer:

Abba Father, help me not only to hear Your words but to put them into practice. Give me the wisdom to build my life on the firm foundation of Your truth. Let my obedience be a reflection of my faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.