Everyone who hears these things I say and obeys them is like a wise man. The wise man built his house on rock. - Matthew 7:24 ICB

There are a couple of ways to build model planes. One is for guys who don’t think they need instructions. That is, until they glue some pieces together and realize they skipped a key step, like putting the pilot in the cockpit! The other way—reading the instructions first—usually works better.

It’s easy to think we don’t need instructions in life, either—only to later realize that we’ve messed things up.

Jesus said that following His instructions allow wise people to build a good life (Matthew 7:24–27). He said, “Everyone who hears these things I say and obeys them is like a wise man. The wise man built his house on rock” (v. 24 ICB).

People who don’t follow His instructions, Jesus said, are “foolish” (v. 26). Forgiving others, helping the poor, and obeying your parents may seem to some of your buddies like a silly way to build a life. But take it from Jesus, that’s the way to go.