The lecture explains that the difference between the wise person and the foolish person is not in the amount of intelligence or mental knowledge, but in practical behavior and living according to God’s commandments. True wisdom appears in righteous actions and practical obedience to the word of God, while a person may possess great intelligence yet walk in error because of pride, lust, or sin.

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that the wise person is the one who hears the word of God and acts upon it, and therefore he is likened to the man who built his house upon the rock, meaning upon a firm foundation of faith, love, and obedience. أما the foolish person is the one who hears and does not act, and thus he is like the one who built his house upon the sand, so it collapses during temptations and hardships.

The lecture also confirms that temptations come to everyone, whether righteous or wicked, but steadfastness belongs to the one who has a strong inner spiritual foundation. A person should not justify his fall by blaming others or circumstances, but should examine his heart and see whether he is built upon the rock or upon the sand.

The lecture also speaks about the importance of spiritual work in service and teaching, for every teaching must be established upon the Holy Bible and sound faith, not upon personal emotions or private opinions. The wise servant is the one who watches over the salvation of souls and establishes his children spiritually upon the love of God and practicing the commandment.

The lecture also confirms that much hearing and knowledge alone are not enough, because the important matter is practical application. A person may hear many sermons and read many spiritual books, but without repentance and action his life remains without fruit. Therefore, His Holiness Pope Shenouda calls every person to ask himself: Why do I not practice what I hear? And what prevents me from carrying out God’s commandment?

In the end, the lecture explains that the house built upon the rock is the heart that truly loves God, accepts the work of grace and the Holy Spirit, and struggles to live a holy and steadfast life no matter what temptations and winds may come.

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