Who is the wise one in Jesus’ parable about building? In the parable of the wise and foolish builders, Jesus compared, obviously, a wise builder and a foolish one. Of course, we want to emulate the wise builder. So let’s take a look at him. What is it that made him “wise”? Was it conventional wisdom of the time? Or was it something else?
Who is the wise one in Jesus' parable about building? is article #3 in the series: Parables of Jesus. Click button to view titles for entire series
We could get into the foolish builder as well. But why? If we know what Jesus meant by the wise builder, then anything not matching that description isn’t what we want.
So let’s maintain our focus on the goal. On the prize, as Paul wrote. And look at the wise builder.
The main portion of Jesus’ Parable is at the Parable of The Wise And Foolish Builders. This is an extended look into the characteristics of a wise person in general. So, to get the most from this particular parable, I recommend reading both articles.
I separated them for two reasons. First, combining them turned out to be very long. If you’re a regular here, you know my stuff is usually long enough already, without combining things. Second, it makes the article on the parable itself more appropriate for relatively newer Christians and for non-Christians. This one adds more details for those who are further along in their faith and study of the Bible.
Christianity is about being wise
Christianity is more than just saying the so-called “sinner’s prayer” and being saved. And yet, many people think that hearing the words of Jesus and then saying the sinner’s prayer is all that’s needed for salvation. However, the Parable of The Wise and Foolish Builders certainly seems to tell a different story.
As the image says – we are under construction. Physically, we grow. Mentally, we grow. Spiritually, hopefully we grow. BTW – by spiritually, I mean our relationship with God – not that spiritual but not religious stuff that doesn’t have anything to do with God.
Anyway – the bottom line in this parable from Jesus has to do with whether or not the things we do in this life will lead us on the narrow path to Heaven – or the wide path to Hell.
The parable of the wise and foolish builders is intended to get us to ask a very important question about ourselves. A question that requires much soul-searching and honesty to really answer correctly.
The Wise and Foolish Builders
This parable is recorded twice in the Gospels. Both Matthew and Luke include it. Here are both of them:
First – from Matthew.
The Wise and Foolish Builders – Matthew
7:24-27 pp — Lk 6:47-49
Mt 7:24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
Mt 7:28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.
And then from Luke.
The Wise and Foolish Builders – Luke
6:47-49 pp — Mt 7:24-27
Lk 6:46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? 47 I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. 48 He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49 But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”
You probably – hopefully – noticed that they aren’t quite the same. As we’ve seen in other articles, this is not due to any errors. It’s especially not to say that one or both of them got it wrong. Matthew was a Jewish tax collector. His audience was the Jewish people. On the other hand, Luke was a Gentile doctor. The audience for what he wrote, not surprisingly, was Gentiles. As such – the emphasis would be on different things.
On top of that, we also need to take into account the very real likelihood that Jesus gave this same “speech” more than once. More likely, many times. Remember, He was travelling around the area. There’s no reason at all to assume that Jesus said things only once – and whoever wasn’t present at that particular gathering didn’t get to hear what He had to say on a topic.
So we have two authors, different backgrounds, different intended audiences for what they wrote, and probably two different occurrences of a similar talk being given to two different gatherings of people. As such – we need to examine the passages in that light.
All of this is part of the wisdom that we need as Christians. As I often write, we must “own our faith”. That means we use the minds that God gave us, rather than just blindly following what someone else said. And, by the way, that also means you shouldn’t just blindly follow what I write either! We should always test everything about our faith to be sure it’s Biblically correct. God, through the Holy Spirit, will help us if we ask and if we listen for an answer. I invite you to check out Search me, know my heart, test me for more on that.
How to read this parable from Jesus
As I was getting my software going to do some research for this one – the thought for the day showed up on one of them. It’s from the 2011 NIV.
I, even I, am the Lord,
and apart from me there is no savior.
That’s part of what we should get out of this parable. To put it another way, only God is God. Other than God, there is no way to be saved. No other path to Heaven. No other means of salvation.
The NIV subtitle for the section containing this verse is Israel’s Only Savior. It’s part of a foretelling of the coming of Jesus. And as we learn in the New Testament, Jesus is the only salvation for us. We cannot do it ourselves. The entire passage is below, for context. However, my main point is in that one verse (underlined below), and my goal is to show that this goes back to Isaiah – and even before, since even Genesis 3:15 foretold our Savior. Therefore, we’re not going to go into further detail on it here.
Israel’s Only Savior
Isa 43:1 But now, this is what the LORD says—
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
Isa 43:2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
Isa 43:3 For I am the LORD, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom,
Cush and Seba in your stead.
Isa 43:4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
and because I love you,
I will give men in exchange for you,
and people in exchange for your life.
Isa 43:5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you;
I will bring your children from the east
and gather you from the west.
Isa 43:6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’
and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’
Bring my sons from afar
and my daughters from the ends of the earth—
Isa 43:7 everyone who is called by my name,
whom I created for my glory,
whom I formed and made.”
Isa 43:8 Lead out those who have eyes but are blind,
who have ears but are deaf.
Isa 43:9 All the nations gather together
and the peoples assemble.
Which of them foretold this
and proclaimed to us the former things?
Let them bring in their witnesses to prove they were right,
so that others may hear and say, “It is true.”
Isa 43:10 “You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD,
“and my servant whom I have chosen,
so that you may know and believe me
and understand that I am he.
Before me no god was formed,
nor will there be one after me.
Isa 43:11 I, even I, am the LORD,
and apart from me there is no savior.
Isa 43:12 I have revealed and saved and proclaimed—
I, and not some foreign god among you.
You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “that I am God.
Isa 43:13 Yes, and from ancient days I am he.
No one can deliver out of my hand.
When I act, who can reverse it?”
As I said – that’s part of what we need to learn. There is more.
Lk 6:46 Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?
Luke’s leading sentence isn’t in Matthew’s Gospel at all. Well, the actual words aren’t. Having said that, the thought certainly is. We’ll see that as we go through it – but let’s take a look at this opening question.
Lord, Lord
A good place to start is with ‘Lord, Lord’. There are other times when Jesus asks similar questions – asking why people call Him something. Here in the parable of The Wise and Foolish Builders, it’s ‘Lord, Lord’. Here’s what the Greek word translated as Lord meant at that time.
2962 κύριος [kurios /koo·ree·os/] n m. From kuros (supremacy); TDNT 3:1039; TDNTA 486; GK 3261; 748 occurrences; AV translates as “Lord” 667 times, “lord” 54 times, “master” 11 times, “sir” six times, “Sir” six times, and translated miscellaneously four times. 1 he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master, lord. 1A the possessor and disposer of a thing. 1A1 the owner; one who has control of the person, the master. 1A2 in the state: the sovereign, prince, chief, the Roman emperor. 1B is a title of honour expressive of respect and reverence, with which servants salute their master. 1C this title is given to: God, the Messiah. Additional Information: For synonyms see entry 1203, despotes.See entry 5830 for comparison of synonyms. 1Strong, J. (1995). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship.
In case lord isn’t strong enough, how about master. I know – today master evokes the evil of the master/slave relationship in the early period of the U. S. The Civil War was fought over it. And for too many people, they still seem to be living in that time. But that’s not what we’re talking about here.
What Jesus wants is a situation where we willingly live for Him. For Christians, since God is the loving Creator – why would we want anything less? Jesus will not force Himself on anyone. We must ask for, and then allow it, before anything happens.
and do not do what I say?
The fact that people are calling Jesus ‘Lord, Lord’ means they should already be doing what Jesus says. But here, Jesus says that’s not always happening. In fact, over the course of the Gospels, we learn that it usually doesn’t happen. They call Jesus the master of their lives – and yet do not live like He is. Just like today. So we see Luke asks this question straight out. Why not? It’s written for Gentiles – people who aren’t used to this relationship with God. As for Matthew, not only is the relationship familiar – it’s one that the Jewish people have all too much familiarity with failing to do this very thing. Throughout the Old Testament, they have claimed to follow God. Then walked away from Him. And then called out to Him for rescue after God allows them to walk away. And repeated that sequence over and over.
We see two things here. First of all, we see that God does not force Himself on anyone – as I said. Just as in the Old Testament with God the Father – Jesus the Son also calls out for people to follow Him, but does not force it. We also see the consequences of choosing not to follow God. They weren’t good in the Old Testament. There’s no reason to expect anything different in the New Testament. And, as expected, it’s not good to walk away from Jesus either.
Who is the wise one in Jesus’ parable about building?
I think we need to start off with common ground as to what “wise” actually means. More directly, let’s look at what wisdom means. Not today. But two thousand years ago. There are none of the idioms/slang words / Etc. that are around today. Being wise and having wisdom was a good thing. A very good thing.
So – let’s look at wisdom. It’s a mouthful, so I’m going to break it down.
wisdom. In the OT wisdom, whether human or divine, occupies a prominent place. Fundamental to the OT teaching about human wisdom is the repeated affirmation that ‘the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom’ (e.g. Ps. 111:10 and Prov. 1:7).
Yes, we’re looking at something Jesus said, which is in the New Testament. But then, Jesus was talking to the Jewish people, who grew up on the Old Testament. So it’s important to understand – both for them and for us. There are lessons to learn. Cultural concepts that, while different, are still valid as a tool to learn from today.
While we see the distinction between divine and human wisdom, we also see the thought that ‘the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom’. Please see The problem of “Fear of the Lord” for more details on what “fear of the Lord” actually means. For now, suffice it to say, it’s not fear the way we view that word today. It’s about an incredible level of respect and awe – not about going to a scary movie.
We’ll see moving forward that gaining wisdom of the Lord is the beginning of human wisdom – as it’s defined in the Bible. That’s not even close to what we’d think today. But – it is what Jesus said. In His time. It’s what He meant. And we’d do well to learn that too.
Human wisdom is both essentially practical and speculative, and the terms ‘wisdom’ and ‘wise’ are used to cover a diversity of activities ranging from ability as a carpenter (Exod. 36:4) to the fundamental principles of virtuous living (Ecclus. 1:10–12).
For those who don’t know, Ecclus. is the book of Ecclesiasticus, which is not part of the approved scripture. However, it is included in some Bible translations – specifying that it is part of something known as Arocypha. I’m going to include verses 1-12 here, with associated Bible verses included.
In Praise of Wisdom
(Cp Prov 3:13–20; 8:22–31; Rom 11:33)
1 All wisdom is from the Lord,
and with him it remains forever.
2 The sand of the sea, the drops of rain,
and the days of eternity—who can count them?
3 The height of heaven, the breadth of the earth,
the abyss, and wisdom—who can search them out?
4 Wisdom was created before all other things,
and prudent understanding from eternity.
6 The root of wisdom—to whom has it been revealed?
Her subtleties—who knows them?
8 There is but one who is wise, greatly to be feared,
seated upon his throne—the Lord.
9 It is he who created her;
he saw her and took her measure;
he poured her out upon all his works,
10 upon all the living according to his gift;
he lavished her upon those who love him.
Fear of the Lord Is True Wisdom
(Job 28:28; Prov 1:7)
11 The fear of the Lord is glory and exultation,
and gladness and a crown of rejoicing.
12 The fear of the Lord delights the heart,
and gives gladness and joy and long life.
13 Those who fear the Lord will have a happy end;
on the day of their death they will be blessed. 2The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Sir 1:1–13). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.
We don’t often hear that things like what we just read are the beginnings of human wisdom. Maybe even some who regularly attend church have never heard anything like it. But it is what Jesus meant when He spoke this parable.
The fact that He’s also asking why we don’t do what He says is very telling. In Jesus’ own time, speaking to the Jews, it was because they knew the words of their scripture – but didn’t practice them. All too often today, we don’t even hear them. And for those that do – carrying them out seems like it’s an option. We’ll find out – it’s not optional.
Similarly, divine wisdom is manifested in creation and in God’s guidance of nations and individuals (Wisd. 10–19). It is more than a mere quality and tends increasingly to become a *hypostasis, so esp. in Prov. 8 and Wisd. 7:22 ff. The so-called ‘Wisdom Literature’ is generally reckoned to include Job, Prov., Eccles., Ecclus., and Wisdom (qq.v.).
Hypostasis? Huh? If you don’t already know, wait until you find out what hypostasis means. First – we’re not talking about the medical use of the word here. It’s an underlying reality or substance, as opposed to attributes or that which lacks substance. Oh. That’s as clear as mud, isn’t it? How about a couple examples, from Loyola University Maryland.
In Trinitarian theology, the “classic” formulation of doctrine is that
God is one essence (ousia)
existing as three persons (hypostases): Father, Son and Spirit.
In Christology, the “classic” formulation of doctrine is that
Christ is one person (hypostasis)
who possesses two natures (physes): divine and human.
That’s better. Not that we can understand it – if we’re really honest. Who can actually understand God? But it’s a description that we read in the Bible. It’s something familiar to us.
The harder part of the quote on wisdom to deal with today is this: divine wisdom is manifested in creation and in God’s guidance of nations and individuals. People that say something like this today get blasted from all corners of social media. Some refuse to accept it, but science is actually proving that the Biblical account of creation is correct. Please click here for a list of all the articles on this site that talk about creation.
Such literature is found in all ancient Near Eastern cultures, and the combination of practical advice on sensible living with speculation about divine wisdom is characteristic of the genre, as is the attribution of wisdom to an ancient ruler (in the OT usually *Solomon, but in later times often *Ezra or *Enoch).
I’m including this last sentence, because it’s part of the book. However, I must take issue with it. Such literature is found in all ancient Near Eastern cultures. While the statement itself may be true – it needs some clarification. It leaves open to question which of the possible sources is itself true. Since this is a Christian site, obviously I’m going to say Christianity is the true source of divine wisdom. Also included in there must be Judaism, since the Old Testament is part of Jewish Scripture. However, it’s the combination of the two that leads to true divine wisdom. For more on Christian knowledge/wisdom – please see Can I trust what I think I know?
In the NT Christ is portrayed as a teacher of wisdom and endowed with the Spirit (Mk. 1:10, Lk. 4:18); St *Paul calls Him ‘the wisdom of God’ (1 Cor. 1:24), ‘in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden’ (Col. 2:3). 3Cross, F. L., & Livingstone, E. A. (Eds.). (2005). In The Oxford dictionary of the Christian Church (3rd ed. rev., pp. 1767–1768). Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press.
Let’s look a bit further into the passage from Colossians. Here is the entire section, as broken out in the NIV.
Paul’s Labor for the Church
Col 1:24 Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. 25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
We read about a mystery that was kept hidden. But it’s not like a treasure map was needed. Nor is it something encrypted, and we need a cipher key. It’s also not anything like a secret society. And there’s no such thing as 7 keys (or any other number) to unlock it. Here’s what the Greek words that get translated as mystery and hidden actually meant at that time – as opposed to what we might think today.
3466 μυστήριον [musterion /moos·tay·ree·on/] n n. From a derivative of muo (to shut the mouth); TDNT 4:802; TDNTA 615; GK 3696; 27 occurrences; AV translates as “mystery” 27 times. 1 hidden thing, secret, mystery. 1A generally mysteries, religious secrets, confided only to the initiated and not to ordinary mortals. 1B a hidden or secret thing, not obvious to the understanding. 1C a hidden purpose or counsel. 1C1 secret will. 1C1A of men. 1C1B of God: the secret counsels which govern God in dealing with the righteous, which are hidden from ungodly and wicked men but plain to the godly. 3 in rabbinic writings, it denotes the mystic or hidden sense: of an OT saying, of an image or form seen in a vision, of a dream. 4Strong, J. (1995). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship.
613 ἀποκρύπτω [apokrupto /ap·ok·roop·to/] v. From 575 and 2928; TDNT 3:957; TDNTA 476; GK 648; Six occurrences; AV translates as “hide” six times. 1 to hide. 2 concealing, keeping secret. 5Strong, J. (1995). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship.
While the definition of mystery makes it sound like it could have been some secret society, the reality of this hidden mystery of God isn’t secret at all. And the only initiation is to believe. Believe that Jesus is the Son of God and then to do what He says. Just like the parable of the wise and foolish builders says.
Of course, the thing about believing is that we really need to believe. Not just say we believe. But really truly believe. Like when God looks at us – He knows we really truly believe. For more on that thought, please read Search me, know my heart, test me.
Col 1:28 We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. 29 To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.
Of course, that wisdom Paul writes about comes from Jesus. And notice, Paul works hard to do this. But not with his own energy and power – but the energy and power he gets from the mind of Christ. From the Holy Spirit.
Col 2:1 I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.
This last paragraph from the Colossians passage sums up the previous portion. It also includes the purpose for what Paul is doing. He does it so we have and know the truth. So we cannot be deceived by anyone with a false message. He can only do this by knowing the truth himself.
And we should be the same. The knowledge and wisdom of God isn’t meant to be kept hidden anymore. This passage tells us this. As does the Great Commission. There are several articles here that talk about and/or have examples of The Great Commission, if you’d like to check them out.
Who is the wise one in Jesus’ parable about building?
Well, that was rather longer than I expected. However, having an understanding of what Jesus meant by the wise man is important. If we don’t get that, we won’t get anything out of the parable of the wise and foolish builders.
But let’s take a look at one more example. Solomon. Right after becoming king, Solomon had this experience:
Solomon Asks for Wisdom – 1 Kings
3:4-15 pp — 2Ch 1:2-13
…
1Ki 3:7 “Now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. 8 Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. 9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
1Ki 3:10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. 11 So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, 12 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. 13 Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both riches and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. 14 And if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.” 15 Then Solomon awoke—and he realized it had been a dream.
…
A Dream – yes. But nonetheless, a real experience. We read this shortly afterwards.
Solomon’s Wisdom
1Ki 4:29 God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. 30 Solomon’s wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the men of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. 31 He was wiser than any other man, including Ethan the Ezrahite—wiser than Heman, Calcol and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread to all the surrounding nations. 32 He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five. 33 He described plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also taught about animals and birds, reptiles and fish. 34 Men of all nations came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom.
Of course, Solomon blew it. Big time. We should certainly learn from his mistakes. But we should also learn about wisdom. When we ask for wisdom, God will give us so much more. The thing is – in Old Testament days, before Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection – rewards and punishments were part of life on earth. With the New Covenant, brought forth by Jesus, the rewards and punishment are in the next life. Jesus doesn’t promise a great life on this earth for His followers. Far from it – He promises troubles.
So while we can look to the Old Testament for the meaning of things like wisdom, we must look to the promises of Jesus for the results of the parable of the wise and foolish builders. We really need to look at both the Old Testament (Jewish Scripture) and the New Testament.
hears these words of mine and puts them into practice
This is part of what Jesus said about the wise builder. Let’s look at this portion of the passages from Matthew and Luke.
Mt 7:24 Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.
and
Lk 6:47 I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. 48 He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.
Again, we see a slight variation. This time in the details of the means of destruction. Rain vs. flood. One has wind vs. one doesn’t mention wind. We’ve already seen how this can be. The important point is to not get lost in those details.
The important point is that the house was not destroyed. Of course, we’re not talking about a real house here. It’s a parable. That’s one part of the “hidden mystery” that we looked at earlier. For the person who doesn’t believe in Jesus, they would read this as merely a story about a smart man who built a solid house. It’s “wise teaching”, from a “good” man. But not something of eternity from the Son of God.
To the person who doesn’t get it, this is kind of like the three little pigs – where one built the house the wolf couldn’t blow down. But it’s so much more. If we have the wisdom to understand. The wise person that Jesus talked about understands that the house represents what we’ve believed – and what we’ve done because of those beliefs.
Notice that it says it’s necessary to do more than hear the words of Jesus. It says “and puts them into practice“. That means two things. It means that we heard the words – and that we understood them. We had the wisdom to know what they meant.
Even more so, we also had the wisdom to do something with those words that we heard and understood. It’s those things that James writes about related to faith and deeds. Notice the order. In the parable of the wise and foolish builders, it’s hearing – understanding – doing. What James writes is also in that order.
Faith and Deeds
Jas 2:14 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
Jas 2:18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
Jas 2:20 You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? 21 Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. 24 You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.
Jas 2:25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? 26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
We’ll see in the next part what happens when we have no follow-up actions. We’ll see it matches up with what James wrote about “dead faith”.
hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice
This is part of what Jesus said about the foolish builder. Let’s look at this portion of the passages from Matthew and Luke.
Mt 7:26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.
and
Lk 6:49 But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.
So the foolish person – the one without wisdom – hears Jesus’ words. But then they proceed to do nothing.
Question. Did the person not do anything because they didn’t understand the words? Or was it because they understood, but still did nothing. That would be the case if, for instance, they heard and understood – but didn’t believe. The net result is still destruction. In the foolish person’s mind – it could be the destruction of the straw house from the three little pigs – or it could be the destruction of the soul in Hell. We just don’t know.
So we see that what James wrote about “dead faith” matches up with what Jesus said about the foolish builder. As it should. It would be weird if James wrote something different. It’s just as weird when we read the Bible – the words of Jesus and James – and then come to a different conclusion. For example, those who think deeds lead to faith. That’s not what this says. That’s backwards. That’s dead faith to James. It’s the foolish builder to Jesus. It’s destruction for the one who believes that deeds will lead to faith.
Conclusion – Who is the wise one in Jesus’ parable about building?
Either way – Jesus makes it clear that the wise person and the foolish person will have very different outcomes.
However, the really sad thing would be for the person who is told that saying the sinner’s prayer is all that needed to be saved. I honestly don’t see that being the case from the parable of the wise and foolish builders.
If the person saying the sinner’s prayer stops at that point – thinks they are saved – and then does nothing else – are they really saved? I don’t think so. They built nothing. They would be washed away in the flood. Or blown away in the wind. They did nothing. They didn’t place enough importance on the words of Jesus to do anything about them.
That begs the question of whether they didn’t understand what Jesus said – or didn’t believe what Jesus said. If you don’t remember, this is the same thing I said about the foolish builder.
It’s very sad to think that someone would “come to Jesus” and be told the only thing needed was to say that sinner’s prayer. Because if they really do that, and no more, they very well might be expecting to be saved. Why? Because that’s what some Christian told them.
But is that the wisdom of God? Or is it the wisdom of man that says only the sinner’s prayer is needed?
To me, when we read the parable of the wise and foolish builders, the wisdom of Jesus says we must hear AND understand AND act. All three. Not just one or even two of them. All three.
And what about this – if we are the ones telling people to just say the sinner’s prayer – what are we building? Maybe we think we’ve made a whole bunch of converts. A whole bunch of disciples. But really, maybe all we did was get a bunch of people to believe in the wisdom of man instead of the wisdom of God.
This kind of thing is why we must become not just born-again Christians – but grown-again Christians. Then, among other things, we can really begin to understand what it means to make disciples. The Great Commission isn’t about bringing people to church like a social club. It’s about bringing people to God. It’s about building something for ourselves – by helping others build – based on God’s wisdom.
So – with this background, let’s move on to The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders.
Image by 3D Animation Production Company from Pixabay
Footnotes
- 1Strong, J. (1995). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship.
- 2The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (Sir 1:1–13). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.
- 3Cross, F. L., & Livingstone, E. A. (Eds.). (2005). In The Oxford dictionary of the Christian Church (3rd ed. rev., pp. 1767–1768). Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press.
- 4Strong, J. (1995). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship.
- 5Strong, J. (1995). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship.