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Matthew 7:24 · King James Version

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:”

The setting

Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount with the image of two builders. His disciples have come to Him, and the crowds hear His teaching (Matthew 5:1–2; 7:28–29). The preceding verses warn that calling Him Lord is not a substitute for doing the Father's will (7:21–23). The conclusion asks how we respond to His words.

The meaning

Both builders hear Jesus' words. The wise builder also does them; the foolish builder does not. Rain, floods, and winds strike both houses, but their foundations differ. Read this within Jesus' warning about judgment in 7:21–23 as well as His call to obedience. It is not a promise that believers avoid suffering or material loss.

The example Jesus gives

The builders are Jesus' own illustration in Matthew 7:24–27. His explanation supplies the point: hearing must be joined with doing. The sermon itself gives concrete commands to practice, including seeking reconciliation (5:23–24), speaking truthfully (5:37), and praying to the Father without performing for an audience (6:5–6).

Walk in what you learned

1. Read in context. Read Matthew 7:21–29, then return to one of the commands above.
2. Identify the command. Write what Jesus says before writing your personal application.
3. Respond today. Seek reconciliation where it is needed, speak truthfully, or set aside time for prayer, according to the passage you read.
4. Examine your response. Consider where hearing has led to obedience and where repentance is needed.

These steps are suggested applications, not additional words of Scripture.

For reflection: Which teaching of Jesus do I understand but still need to practice?

Prayer from Scripture: Read Matthew 6:9–13 and pray using the requests Jesus teaches His disciples.