Proverbs 1:8-9 - Do not forsake your mother's teaching

Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching. They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.

My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.

Hear, my son, your father's instruction And do not forsake your mother's teaching; Indeed, they are a graceful wreath to your head And ornaments about your neck.

Proverbs 1:8-9

Commentary

Both the OT and the NT agree that children have only one responsibility in the family-to obey their parents. The admonition of Solomon is more fully explained by Paul in Eph. 6:1-3: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother,' which is the first commandment with promise: 'that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.'" "Children" is an inclusive term. It is not a matter of either sex or age that is involved.

The Open Bible : New King James Version. 1998, c1997. Includes indexes. (electronic ed.) (Pr 1:8). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Proverbs 14:1 - The wise woman builds her house

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.