Scripture Time

The Story of the Wise Man and the Foolish Man

By Jean Bingham

The author lives in Utah, USA.

Learn about the New Testament together this year!

One day Jesus wanted to teach people how to stay strong even when hard things happen. He told them a story about a big storm, a wise man, and a foolish man. When the storm came, the wise man’s house did not fall down because it was built on a rock. But the foolish man’s house fell down because it was built on sand.

Jesus was teaching how important it is to have faith in Him and follow His teachings. When we build a strong testimony, we will be strong enough to stand, no matter what hard things might happen.

What Is a Parable?

A parable is a special kind of story. It tells about simple things, like a rainstorm or a pearl, that are familiar. Jesus told parables to help people understand spiritual truths. One parable is in Matthew 13:44–46. What does it teach about how valuable the gospel is? Can you find other parables?

Rock or Sand?

Write activities like the ones below on strips of paper. Take turns choosing and reading them aloud. Discuss why doing each one would be like building a house on rock or sand. How can listening to prophets help us follow Jesus’s teachings and make wise choices?

• Reading scriptures together

• Taking a dare

• Going to church

• Blaming a mistake on someone else

• Doing your homework

• Showing respect for others

• Telling the truth

• Staying quiet while someone is being bullied

• Listening to general conference

• Cheating on schoolwork

• Including someone who is new

• Using bad words

• Playing a game with a sister or brother

• Sharing with others

• Spending many hours on computer games

• Taking something that isn’t yours

• Praying every morning and night

• Including someone who is left out

Rock Art

Choose a smooth rock. With a marker or paint, write “Jesus Christ” on it. Talk about why it’s so important to build our lives on His teachings. Keep the rock in a place where you can see it often.

Jesus Christ

Scripture Tip

The Book of Mormon can help us understand the New Testament. Read Helaman 5:12. What did you learn about the meaning of the word rock from reading that verse? Look up “Rock” in the Guide to the Scriptures to see if you can find any other verses that help you understand more.

Family Talk

Read Matthew 7:24–29 together. You could also draw a picture of the story. Then you could talk about these questions: What things in our life are like the rain and wind? How could making decisions according to what is popular be like building our house on sand? How does following Jesus’s teachings protect us and make us as strong as a house built on a rock? Talk about ways you can build your faith in Jesus Christ.

Song: “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man” (Children’s Songbook, 281)

Scripture: Matthew 7:24–29