Topical Bible: Wicked (People): Compared With: Fools Building Upon Sand

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In the biblical narrative, the term "wicked" is often used to describe individuals who live in opposition to God's commandments and moral order. The wicked are characterized by their deliberate choice to engage in sinful behaviors, reject divine wisdom, and pursue paths that lead away from righteousness. The Bible provides numerous accounts and teachings that highlight the consequences of wickedness, often contrasting the fate of the wicked with that of the righteous.

A poignant comparison is drawn between the wicked and the fools who build their houses upon sand, as illustrated in the teachings of Jesus. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus presents the parable of the wise and foolish builders: "Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock. 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. The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its collapse" (Matthew 7:24-27).

This parable serves as a metaphor for the spiritual and moral foundations upon which individuals build their lives. The wise builder, who constructs his house on the rock, represents those who hear and obey the teachings of Christ, thereby establishing a firm foundation of faith and righteousness. In contrast, the foolish builder, who erects his house on sand, symbolizes those who disregard divine instruction, much like the wicked who choose to follow their own desires rather than God's will.

The imagery of building on sand underscores the instability and ultimate ruin that accompany a life of wickedness. Just as a house built on an unstable foundation cannot withstand the forces of nature, so too will the lives of the wicked crumble under the weight of divine judgment and the inherent consequences of their actions. The Bible consistently warns that the path of the wicked leads to destruction: "For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish" (Psalm 1:6).

Furthermore, the comparison between the wicked and the foolish builders highlights the importance of wisdom and discernment in the Christian life. The Book of Proverbs frequently contrasts the wise with the foolish, emphasizing that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and adherence to His commandments: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline" (Proverbs 1:7).

In summary, the biblical portrayal of the wicked as akin to fools building upon sand serves as a cautionary tale. It underscores the necessity of grounding one's life in the teachings of Christ and the pursuit of righteousness. The ultimate message is clear: a life built on the shifting sands of wickedness is destined for collapse, while a life anchored in the solid rock of God's truth will endure and flourish.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 7:26
And every one that hears these sayings of mine, and does them not, shall be likened to a foolish man, which built his house on the sand:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Book ii.
... to all others no better than a wicked mountebank, of ... they seem to be of yesterday,
if compared with our ... many tell thousands that were of the people, and saved ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/against apion/book ii.htm

Letter cviii. To Eustochium.
... this present time are not worthy to be compared with the ... event to the righteous and
to the wicked; to the ... strangers to go home to her own people, she whispered ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cviii to eustochium.htm

Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
... Alas, what a wreck is man, compared to what he ... People may say you are over scrupulous,
too particular, where ... must needs go out among the wicked Shechemites, to ...
/.../chapter xix tit 2 6 thoughts.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... Was this only the temper of wicked men then? ... of thy sins for heinousness may be compared
therewith, as ... afflicted themselves, offend God, and grieve his people. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

The Treatise
... is in his eyes a very small matter compared with the ... forsaken out of the hand of
the wicked." But it ... a common earnest heart-cry of the entire people would rise ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/a treatise on good works/the treatise.htm

The Strait Gate;
... when he made provision for the building and beautifying ... it intendeth the open profane,
the wicked and ungodly ... intendeth those that cleave to the people of God ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the strait gate.htm

The Greatness of the Soul,
... he turn not front his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he ... 'They eat up the sin
of My people' as they ... [Of the greatness of the soul, when compared with the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the greatness of the soul.htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... So, again, speaking of the wicked, he saith, 'Ye have ... performed, there God appeared,
and there his people were to ... may be desired, are not to be compared to it ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm