Matthew 7:26

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} every one {G3956} that heareth {G191} these {G5128} sayings {G3056} of mine {G3450}, and {G2532} doeth {G4160} them {G846} not {G3361}, shall be likened {G3666} unto a foolish {G3474} man {G435}, which {G3748} built {G3618} his {G846} house {G3614} upon {G1909} the sand {G285}:

Complete Jewish Bible

But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a stupid man who built his house on sand.

Berean Standard Bible

But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 7:26 serves as a profound warning at the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount, illustrating the perilous spiritual consequences for those who hear Jesus' authoritative teachings but fail to integrate them into their lives through obedient action. This verse likens such an individual to a foolish builder whose house, constructed on unstable sand, is destined for collapse when faced with the inevitable storms of life, thereby underscoring the critical importance of practical application of divine truth for true spiritual stability.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse forms the second part of Jesus' concluding parable in the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5-7 "Matthew 5-7 - The Sermon on the Mount"), directly following the commendation of the wise builder in [Matthew 7:24-25](/matthew/7-24-25 "Matthew 7:24-25 - The Wise Builder"). The entire sermon, spanning [Matthew chapters 5-7](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5") through [Matthew chapter 6](/matthew/6 "Matthew 6") to [Matthew chapter 7](/matthew/7 "Matthew 7"), presents a comprehensive and radical exposition of kingdom ethics and the nature of true discipleship. Jesus uses this parable as a climactic, urgent call to action, emphasizing that merely hearing His words, no matter how profound, is insufficient for genuine spiritual security. The contrast between the two builders provides a stark choice for the audience, highlighting the ultimate distinction between superficial adherence and transformative obedience.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Judea, building practices were heavily influenced by the local geography and climate. Houses were often constructed of stone, brick, or mud, and the stability of the foundation was paramount, especially in regions prone to seasonal wadis (dry riverbeds) that could become torrents during heavy rains. Wise builders would dig down through loose topsoil to bedrock, ensuring a secure base. Conversely, building directly on sand or shallow soil, particularly near a wadi, was a shortcut that invited disaster. The imagery of a house built on sand would have resonated deeply with Jesus' audience, who understood the practical dangers of an unstable foundation when the seasonal rains and floods arrived. This common-sense understanding of construction served as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual dangers of a life not firmly grounded in divine truth.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Sermon on the Mount and the broader Gospel of Matthew. The most prominent theme is the **necessity of obedience over mere hearing**. Jesus consistently challenges superficial religiosity, asserting that true righteousness involves active doing, not just intellectual assent or verbal profession (e.g., [Matthew 7:21](/matthew/7-21 "Matthew 7:21 - Not Everyone Who Says 'Lord, Lord'")). It also underscores the theme of **judgment and ultimate consequences**, portraying the "fall" of the house as a metaphor for spiritual ruin or condemnation for those who disregard Christ's teachings. Furthermore, it highlights the **authority of Jesus' words**, implying that His "sayings" are the very bedrock upon which a stable life must be built, contrasting with any other, less reliable, foundation (cf. [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **heareth (Greek, _akoúō'_):** This word signifies not merely the physical act of hearing, but also to perceive, understand, and give attention to. In this context, it implies an intellectual apprehension of Jesus' teachings. The foolish man *hears* the words, indicating he has access to the truth and comprehends its content, but his failure lies in the subsequent lack of response.
* **doeth (Greek, _poiéō'_):** This verb denotes active doing, making, or performing. It emphasizes the practical application and embodiment of the teachings. The contrast is sharp: the foolish man *hears* but does *not do*, highlighting a critical disconnect between knowledge and action, between intellectual assent and practical obedience. This "doing" is the cornerstone of genuine discipleship.
* **sand (Greek, _ámmos'_):** This term refers to loose, unstable ground, typically found on beaches or in dry riverbeds. It stands in stark contrast to the "rock" mentioned in [Matthew 7:24](/matthew/7-24 "Matthew 7:24 - The Wise Builder"), symbolizing an unreliable and insecure foundation. Spiritually, "sand" represents a life built on anything other than the firm, unyielding foundation of Christ's words and the obedience they demand—perhaps human wisdom, fleeting emotions, or a superficial faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And every one that heareth these sayings of mine,"**: This clause establishes the universal scope of Jesus' warning, applying to anyone who has been exposed to His teachings. The phrase "sayings of mine" underscores the divine authority and personal claim Jesus has over His words, elevating them above mere human philosophy.
* **"and doeth them not,"**: This is the critical point of failure. It highlights the chasm between intellectual understanding and practical application. The individual possesses knowledge of the truth but deliberately chooses not to act upon it, rendering their hearing ultimately fruitless.
* **"shall be likened unto a foolish man,"**: Jesus uses a simile to categorize this individual. The term "foolish" (Greek, _mōrós_) implies not a lack of intelligence, but a moral and spiritual heedlessness, a lack of practical wisdom in the most crucial matters of life and eternity.
* **"which built his house upon the sand:"**: This final clause provides the vivid, illustrative consequence of the foolish man's inaction. The "house" symbolizes one's life, their character, their spiritual destiny. Building "upon the sand" represents constructing one's life on an unstable, unreliable foundation, which will inevitably fail when tested.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 7:26 is rich in literary devices that enhance its impact. The primary device is **Parable**, as Jesus tells a short, illustrative story to convey a spiritual truth. Within this parable, **Symbolism** is extensively used: the "house" symbolizes a person's life or spiritual character; the "foundation" represents the basis upon which one builds their life (either obedience to Christ's words or something else); and "sand" specifically symbolizes an unstable, unreliable foundation, contrasting sharply with the "rock" of the preceding verse. Furthermore, the passage employs striking **Contrast** by juxtaposing the wise builder (who hears and obeys) with the foolish builder (who hears but does not obey), and the stable house with the collapsing one. This creates a powerful dichotomy that forces the listener to self-examine their own foundation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates a core biblical truth: genuine faith is always evidenced by obedience. It refutes the notion of a purely intellectual or passive Christianity, asserting that true discipleship involves a transformative encounter with Christ's words that leads to active, lived-out righteousness. The "sayings of mine" are not merely suggestions but divine commands, and their practical application forms the unshakeable bedrock of a life that can withstand the trials of this world and the scrutiny of final judgment. The ultimate collapse of the house built on sand serves as a stark eschatological warning, emphasizing that only those whose lives are genuinely built on Christ's teachings will endure into eternity.

* [James 1:22](/james/1-22 "James 1:22 - Be Doers of the Word")
* [Luke 6:47-49](/luke/6-47-49 "Luke 6:47-49 - The Two Builders (Luke's Account)")
* [1 John 2:3-6](/1_john/2-3-6 "1 John 2:3-6 - Knowing God Through Obedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 7:26 is a piercing call to self-examination for every believer. It compels us to move beyond mere familiarity with biblical truth to a deep, transformative engagement that shapes our daily decisions, attitudes, and actions. In an age where information is abundant, but application often lags, this verse reminds us that spiritual maturity is not measured by how much we *know*, but by how faithfully we *do* what we know. A life built on the "sand" of convenience, cultural pressures, or superficial religiosity will inevitably prove fragile when the storms of temptation, suffering, or divine judgment arrive. To build on the rock means to consistently align our will with Christ's, allowing His words to be the ultimate authority and guide for every facet of our existence, ensuring our spiritual house stands firm.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I prone to merely "hear" Jesus' sayings without "doing" them?**
* **What "sands" (e.g., fleeting desires, cultural norms, self-reliance) might I be building my life upon instead of Christ's words?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to more intentionally apply a specific teaching of Jesus to my daily life?**

### FAQ
**What does Jesus mean by "sayings of mine"?**

Answer: By "sayings of mine," Jesus is referring to the entirety of His teachings, particularly those articulated throughout the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5-7 "Matthew 5-7 - The Sermon on the Mount"). This includes His radical reinterpretation of the Law, His ethical demands, His instructions on prayer and fasting, and His warnings against hypocrisy. The phrase emphasizes the divine origin and authoritative nature of His words, distinguishing them from human wisdom or tradition. To hear and obey these "sayings" is to build one's life on the very foundation of God's revealed truth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 7:26 finds its Christ-centered fulfillment in the person of Jesus Himself, who is the ultimate "Rock" and the living embodiment of the "sayings" He delivers. He is not merely the one who *teaches* the truth, but the very **Word made flesh** (cf. [John 1:1-5](/john/1-1-5 "John 1:1-5 - The Word Became Flesh")). To build one's house upon the "sand" is to reject the only true foundation, which is Christ and His perfect obedience to the Father's will. Conversely, to "do" His sayings is to participate in His very life, being rooted and built up in Him (cf. [Colossians 2:6-7](/colossians/2-6-7 "Colossians 2:6-7 - Rooted and Built Up in Christ")). The foolish man's house collapses because it lacks the stability that only the perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection of Christ can provide. Our obedience to His words is not a means to earn salvation, but a response of faith to the One who has already secured our eternal foundation. Thus, the stability of our spiritual "house" is ultimately dependent on our relationship with and reliance upon Jesus, the cornerstone Himself (cf. [Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ as the Cornerstone")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 6:49

But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.

Jeremiah 8:9

The wise [men] are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what wisdom [is] in them?

James 2:20

But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

1 Samuel 2:30

Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed [that] thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.

Proverbs 14:1

¶ Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.