The Wise Man Built His House Upon a Rock

One of the all-time favorites Sunday School songs is “The Wise Man Built His House Upon A Rock.” Aiden loves this song! This beloved children’s song was written in 1948 by Ann Omley. It is based on the parable that Jesus shared at the end of the “Sermon on the Mount,” and tells the tale of two builders and what happened at their construction sites.

Verse 1: “The wise man built his house upon the rock. The wise man built his house upon the rock. The wise man built his house upon the rock, and the rains came a tumblin’ down. The rains came down as the floods came up. The rains came down as the floods came up. The rains came down as the floods came up, and the wise man’s house stood firm!”

The first builder is described as the “wise man.” He built his house upon a rock, which is a firm and steady foundation. Just because he had built on a strong foundation didn’t mean that the wind wasn’t going to blow. He was still exposed to the elements, but he was safe inside his house built upon a rock.

Verse 2: “The foolish man built his house upon the sand. The foolish man built his house upon the sand. The foolish man built his house upon the sand. The foolish man built his house upon the sand, and the rains came a tumblin’ down! The rains came down and the floods came up. The rains came down and the floods came up. The rains came down and the floods came up, and the foolish man’s house went SPLAT!”

Yes, the foolish man’s house didn’t hold up to the elements. I’m sure that it was probably just as nice of a house as the wise man’s house. The problem was – it was built on the wrong foundation. Sand! Have you ever built a sand castle? How long did it last? The first time a wave comes close, sand shifts and follows the direction of the current. Why in the world would anyone build a house on the sand? Maybe it had a good view? Maybe it was close to work or family? In the end, it didn’t matter. The problem was – it was built on an unsteady foundation.

Verse 3: “So, build your life on the Lord Jesus Christ. So, build your life on the Lord Jesus Christ. So, build your life on the Lord Jesus Christ, and the blessings will come down! The blessings come down as the prayers go up. The blessings come down and the prayers go up. The blessings come down and the prayers go up. So, build your life on the Lord Jesus Christ!”

Yes, the whole meaning of the parable and the song is to stress the importance of building your life on the Lord. His will is the only sure foundation that will keep you safe, and He will continue to rain down blessings when we continue to offer up prayers. Notice – He gave each man the choice of where to build their houses, just as He has given us the choice as to whether we are willing to follow Him. He has warned us what will happen if we make the wrong choice – SPLAT!, but still the choice is ours. “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (I Corinthians 3:11) What foundation is your life built upon? God Bless, Courtney