Definition: And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this famous passage from Matthew 7:26. It's a really powerful and thought-provoking statement about following God’s instructions. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is essentially saying that if you say you're going to do something, but you don’t actually do it, you’ll be like a foolish person who builds their house on quicksand. Let's unpack the parts: "Matthew 7:26..." : This is a verse from the Gospel of Matthew, which focuses on Jesus’ teachings. "...and every one that heareth these sayings of mine..." : Jesus is telling us to listen to his words and follow them. It's about accepting what He says as true. "...and doeth them not..." : This is the crucial part. If you say you’re going to do something, but you don’t actually do it, you’re failing to live out those words. You’re not following through on your commitments. "...shall be likened unto a foolish man..." : Jesus is comparing you to a person who is making mistakes and isn't thinking things through. "...which built his house upon the sand:" This is where the metaphor really comes alive. Think of: Sand: Sand is loose, unstable, and easily washed away. It’s not solid or permanent. House: The house represents your life, your faith, your actions, your relationships, etc. What does this mean practically? It means that if you don't act on what you say you believe, you’re setting yourself up for failure and disappointment. You might have good intentions but lack the discipline or commitment to actually follow through. You risk falling into things that aren't sustainable or true to your values. In essence, it’s a warning against hypocrisy – about not living out what you preach. Why is this important? Jesus emphasizes that true faith and obedience are action - they require effort and commitment. This verse encourages us to be honest with ourselves and to consistently live according to our beliefs. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how this principle applies to your life? Explore a specific aspect of the meaning (like the idea of "faithfulness")?