Proverbs 14:1
The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's easy to see this verse as just about good or bad housekeeping, but it's much bigger. The original Hebrew suggests "the wisdoms of women" actively build their homes, implying a profound, multifaceted wisdom that shapes the very structure of family and life. This stands in stark contrast to folly, which "with her hands" directly dismantles what has been built.
This proverb opens a section focused on the practical wisdom needed for daily life, contrasting skillful action with foolish neglect. It highlights the significant, often overlooked, role women played in managing households and building family stability through their industry and good sense, directly juxtaposing this with how thoughtless or destructive behavior can unravel all that has been carefully established.
Understand the original words
chakmah · Hebrew Noun
Possessing deep insight into God's truth and applying it to life; it is fundamentally rooted in the fear of the Lord and leads to righteous conduct.
ivveleth · Hebrew Noun
Morally foolish or senseless behavior that is characterized by an absence of spiritual insight and a rejection of God's revealed instruction.
This passage speaks of the entire body of Christ being built up together, mirroring Proverbs 14:1's theme of building, but on a spiritual, communal level. It highlights how individual lives contribute to a larger, sacred structure.
Colossians 3:18-23These verses offer practical instructions for household life, showing how both husbands and wives, and individuals in general, contribute to a well-ordered and godly 'house' or family through their actions and attitudes.
1 Peter 3:1-7Peter addresses wives directly, emphasizing how their character and conduct ('the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit') build up their homes and influence their husbands, echoing the wisdom of the woman in Proverbs.
Matthew 7:24-27This parable of the wise and foolish builders illustrates the core principle of Proverbs 14:1: that actions rooted in wisdom and obedience lead to a stable foundation, while folly leads to destruction.
bensonProverbs 14:1: "Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands."
Proverbs 14:1 . Every wise woman buildeth her house — By her care, industry: diligence, and prudent management, she improves, and raises her family and estate. So the phrase is used Exodus 1:21 ; 2 Samuel 7:11 ; Psalm 127:1 . He speaks of the woman, not exclusively of the man, of whom this is no less true, but because the women, especially in those times, were very industrious in managing thei…
clarkeProverbs 14:1: "Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands."
Every wise woman buildeth her house - By her prudent and industrious management she increases property in the family, furniture in the house, and food and raiment for her household. This is the true building of a house. The thriftless wife acts differently, and the opposite is the result. Household furniture, far from being increased, is dilapidated; and her household are ill-fed, ill-clothed,…
It's easy to see this verse as just about good or bad housekeeping, but it's much bigger. The original Hebrew suggests "the wisdoms of women" actively build their homes, implying a profound, multifaceted wisdom that shapes the very structure of family and life. This stands in stark contrast to folly, which "with her hands" directly dismantles what has been built.
This proverb opens a section focused on the practical wisdom needed for daily life, contrasting skillful action with foolish neglect. It highlights the significant, often overlooked, role women played in managing households and building family stability through their industry and good sense, directly juxtaposing this with how thoughtless or destructive behavior can unravel all that has been carefully established.
This proverb opens a section focused on the practical wisdom needed for daily life, contrasting skillful action with foolish neglect. It highlights the significant, often overlooked, role women played in managing households and building family stability through their industry and good sense, directly juxtaposing this with how thoughtless or destructive behavior can unravel all that has been carefully established.
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"The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down." — It's easy to see this verse as just about good or bad housekeeping, but it's much bigger. The original Hebrew suggests "the wisdoms of women" actively build their homes, implying a profound, multifac…
