everyone who hears
The phrase "everyone who hears" underscores the universal invitation and responsibility to listen to Jesus' words. The Greek word for "hears" is "ἀκούει" (akouei), which implies not just the act of hearing but also understanding and internalizing the message. This highlights the importance of being attentive and receptive to the teachings of Christ, as hearing is the first step towards transformation.

these words of Mine
"These words of Mine" refers specifically to the teachings of Jesus, particularly those in the Sermon on the Mount. The authority of Jesus' words is emphasized here, as He speaks not as a mere teacher but as the Son of God. The phrase invites reflection on the divine wisdom and eternal truth contained in His teachings, which are meant to guide and shape the lives of His followers.

and acts on them
The phrase "and acts on them" is crucial, as it distinguishes mere listeners from true disciples. The Greek word "ποιεῖ" (poiei) means to do or to make, indicating that action is required. This calls for obedience and application of Jesus' teachings in one's life. It is a reminder that faith without works is dead, and true discipleship involves living out the principles Jesus taught.

is like a wise man
"Is like a wise man" draws a comparison to a person who is prudent and discerning. The Greek word for "wise" is "φρόνιμος" (phronimos), which conveys the idea of practical wisdom and insight. This wisdom is not merely intellectual but is demonstrated through actions that align with God's will. The wise man is one who builds his life on the solid foundation of Christ's teachings.

who built his house
The phrase "who built his house" symbolizes the construction of one's life and character. In the ancient world, building a house was a significant endeavor, requiring careful planning and a strong foundation. This metaphor illustrates the importance of establishing one's life on the teachings of Jesus, ensuring stability and resilience in the face of life's challenges.

on the rock
"On the rock" signifies a firm and unshakeable foundation. The Greek word "πέτρα" (petra) refers to a large, solid rock, symbolizing strength and permanence. In biblical context, the rock often represents God or Christ Himself, as seen in passages like 1 Corinthians 10:4. Building on the rock means anchoring one's life in the truth and reliability of Jesus' words, ensuring that it withstands the storms of life. This imagery calls believers to trust in the steadfastness of Christ as the cornerstone of their faith.

These sayings of mine.--The reference to what has gone before tends, so far as it goes, to the conclusion that we have in these chapters a continuous discourse, and not a compilation of fragments. On the assumption that the Sermon on the Plain was different from that on the Mount, the recurrence of the same image there makes it probable that this or some similar parable was not an uncommon close to our Lord's discourses.

I will liken him unto a wise man.--The surrounding scenery may, in this as in other instances, have suggested the illustration. As in all hilly countries, the streams of Galilee rush down the torrent-beds during the winter and early spring, sweep all before them, overflow their banks, and leave beds of alluvial deposit on either side. When summer comes their waters fail (comp. Jeremiah 15:18; Job 6:15), and what had seemed a goodly river is then a tract covered with debris of stones and sand. A stranger coming to build might be attracted by the ready-prepared level surface of the sand. It would be easier to build there instead of working upon the hard and rugged rock. But the people of the land would know and mock the folly of such a builder, and he would pass (our Lord's words may possibly refer to something that had actually occurred) into a by-word of reproach. On such a house the winter torrent had swept down in its fury, and the storms had raged, and then the fair fabric, on which time and money had been expended, had given way, and fallen into a heap of ruins. Interpreting the parable in the connection in which our Lord has placed it, it is clear that the house is the general fabric of an outwardly religious life. "The rock" can be nothing else than the firm foundation of repentance and obedience, the assent of the will and affections as well as of the lips. The "sand" answers to the shifting, uncertain feelings which are with some men (the "foolish" ones of the parable) the only ground on which they act--love of praise, respect for custom, and the like. The "wind," the "rain," the "floods" hardly admit, unless by an unreal minuteness, of individual interpretation, but represent collectively the violence of persecution, of suffering, of temptations from without, beneath which all but the life which rests on the true foundation necessarily gives way.

Such is obviously the primary meaning of the parable here, but, like most other parables, it has other meanings, which, though secondary, are yet suggestive and instructive, and are not unsanctioned by the analogy of our Lord's teaching. (1.) Already He had bestowed upon one of His disciples the name of Cephas, Peter, the Rock, and in so doing had at least indicated the type of character represented by the "rock" upon which the wise man built. When He afterwards said, "Upon this rock will I build my Church," He was speaking in the character of a wise Master-builder who saw in fervent faith and unhesitating obedience the ground-work on which the Christian society, which He designated as His kingdom, was to rest. (2.) Personal experience and the teaching of the Spirit led men to the thought that there must be a yet deeper foundation, a rock below the rock even of obedience and holiness; and they found in Christ Himself that Rock and that Foundation (1Corinthians 3:10-11). Only in personal union with Him could they find the stability of will without which even their firmest purposes would be as the shifting sand.