 | The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down. |
 | Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. |
 | The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish tears it down with her own hands. |
| Proverbs 14:1 |
Commentary
A wise woman builds. The fact that this woman is called "wise" indicates that she fears and reverences the Lord. She conscientiously builds her house, making her entire household thrive, because she has learned that wisdom brings the happiness and prosperity she desires for her family. The wise woman cares for her home, causing it to flourish and become a haven to those who live there. She builds her home by making wise choices in her relationships with her husband and children. She works on her marriage, knowing that intimacy does not happen naturally but must be developed. All building takes time, picturing brick set on brick until a sturdy safe home is constructed. In contrast, the foolish woman does not build. She tears down both her possessions and her relationships. She destroys by her own efforts-with her hands, her tongue, her idleness, and her lack of interest.
Thomas Nelson, I. (1997, c1995). Woman's study Bible . (Pr 14:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.