Chasing Wisdom | Matthew 7:24-27
What does it mean to be wise?
In Episode #222 of the Way of the Bible podcast, we continue our Response to the Sermon on the Mount Part 2 mini-series by examining the wisdom of the wise builder in Matthew 7:24-27. Jesus describes the wise man as one who hears His words and puts them into practice. The foolish man also hears—but does not do what Jesus says.
That distinction takes us deep into the biblical meaning of wisdom.
Job 28 describes humanity's extraordinary efforts to search the earth for gold, silver, and precious stones. Yet Job asks a far more important question: “But where can wisdom be found? Where does understanding dwell?”
Scripture reveals a progression from knowledge to understanding to wisdom. Knowledge provides the foundational truths. Understanding brings discernment and insight—the ability to recognize how those truths apply. Wisdom is the skillful application of God's truth to life. Proverbs 24 beautifully connects all three to Jesus' imagery of building a house: “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.”
But knowing and understanding what is right does not guarantee that we will do it.
Paul describes this painful reality in Romans 7. We may desire what is good while continuing to do the very things we hate. Many believers know this cycle well: we understand that something is destructive, recognize where it will lead, and nevertheless surrender to it.
Thankfully, Scripture does not leave us trapped there.
Paul's answer is Jesus Christ. Romans 6 teaches that through our union with Christ in His death and resurrection, believers have been set free from sin's mastery. We are therefore instructed to count ourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus—not offering ourselves to sin, but to God as instruments of righteousness.
Jesus described this same freedom in John 8: “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” True discipleship involves hearing His teaching, holding to it, knowing the truth, and walking in the freedom He provides.
This brings us back to wisdom.
Job declares that wisdom is more valuable than gold, silver, onyx, crystal, coral, jasper, rubies, or any earthly treasure. Humanity cannot manufacture it or purchase it because its source is God Himself.
And Job ultimately gives us the answer:
“The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.”
So chasing wisdom is ultimately chasing after God—learning His truth, discerning His ways, and then actually walking in them.
Paul gives us a fitting picture in Romans 12: offer ourselves to God, refuse conformity to this world, and be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Then we begin to discern and live according to His good, pleasing, and perfect will.
That is the life of the wise builder.
Hear Jesus. Believe Jesus. And put His words into practice.
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