Proverbs 14:1

KJV

¶ Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.

KJV (with Strong's)

Every wise {H2454} woman {H802} buildeth {H1129} her house {H1004}: but the foolish {H200} plucketh it down {H2040} with her hands {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Every wise woman builds up her home, but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands.

Berean Standard Bible

Every wise woman builds her house, but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands.

American Standard Version

Every wise woman buildeth her house; But the foolish plucketh it down with her own hands.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 14:1 succinctly articulates the profound and tangible impact of a woman's character on the well-being of her home. It draws a sharp dichotomy, illustrating how a woman imbued with divine wisdom actively constructs, nurtures, and establishes her household, fostering an environment of stability, flourishing, and lasting legacy. Conversely, a woman characterized by folly, through her destructive choices and neglect, actively dismantles and ruins the very fabric of her family and domestic sphere, leading to disarray and ultimate collapse.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 14:1 is nestled within the larger collection of Solomonic proverbs (Proverbs 10-22), which are characterized by their concise, often antithetical, couplets designed to impart practical wisdom for daily life. This specific verse exemplifies the book's overarching theme of contrasting wisdom with folly, a recurring motif that highlights the divergent paths and inevitable outcomes of righteous versus unrighteous living. It immediately follows a proverb about the upright walking securely and the perverse falling (Proverbs 13:6), reinforcing the idea that character directly impacts one's stability and success. The domestic setting of this proverb is particularly significant, as the household was considered the foundational unit of Israelite society, making the woman's role within it profoundly influential.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, the household (`bayith`) was not merely a physical dwelling but the central economic, social, and religious unit. The woman, as the `ishshah` or "mistress" of the house, held significant responsibility for its management, the upbringing of children, and the maintenance of its reputation and well-being. Her influence extended beyond the immediate family to the broader community, as the strength of individual households directly contributed to the strength of the nation. While patriarchal in structure, the wisdom literature, particularly Proverbs, frequently elevates the crucial role of women in shaping family destiny, as seen in the praise for the [virtuous wife in Proverbs 31](/proverbs/31 "Proverbs 31 - The Virtuous Woman"). This proverb reflects a cultural understanding that the woman's character and actions were pivotal to the stability and prosperity, or conversely, the decline, of the entire family line.
* **Key Themes:**
* **The Power of Influence:** This proverb powerfully underscores the profound influence of an individual, particularly a woman, within the domestic sphere. It posits that her character, choices, and daily actions are not neutral but actively shape the destiny of the entire household. Her wisdom or folly has ripple effects, determining the atmosphere, stability, and future trajectory of the family unit, echoing the principle that actions have consequences, as taught in [Proverbs 11:29](/proverbs/11-29 "Proverbs 11:29 - Troubling one's own house").
* **Constructive vs. Destructive Behavior:** The verse presents a stark contrast between building and tearing down, illustrating that life is a series of choices with clear outcomes. A "wise woman" engages in behaviors that nurture, organize, and establish, fostering an environment of peace, order, and growth. This includes prudent management, moral instruction, and fostering harmony. Conversely, a "foolish" woman's actions—whether through neglect, strife, impulsivity, or moral laxity—lead to disarray, conflict, and the eventual ruin of the household, a theme consistent with the warnings against [the contentious woman in Proverbs](/proverbs/21-9 "Proverbs 21:9 - Better to live on a corner of a housetop than with a quarrelsome wife").
* **Wisdom's Tangible Results:** Proverbs consistently emphasizes that true wisdom is not abstract knowledge but practical application that yields discernible results. The "building" and "plucking down" are not metaphorical in their impact; they represent concrete outcomes in the family's material, emotional, and spiritual well-being. This proverb serves as a powerful reminder that godly wisdom translates into actions that create flourishing, while folly inevitably leads to visible decay and destruction, a principle foundational to the entire [book of Proverbs](/proverbs "The Book of Proverbs").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wise (Hebrew, _chokmôwth'_):** From H2454, a collateral form of `chokmah`, meaning wisdom. This refers to practical wisdom, not merely intellectual knowledge, but the skill and discernment to live according to God's established order. It implies prudence, foresight, moral integrity, and the ability to apply divine truth to daily life, particularly in the domestic sphere.
* **Buildeth (Hebrew, _bânâh'_):** From H1129, a primitive root meaning "to build (literally and figuratively); (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely." Here, it signifies active construction, establishment, and nurturing. It encompasses creating a stable, prosperous, and flourishing household, both physically and relationally.
* **Foolish (Hebrew, _ʼivveleth'_):** From H200, meaning "silliness; folly, foolishly(-ness)." This denotes a lack of moral and spiritual discernment, often characterized by impulsiveness, self-centeredness, and a disregard for God's wisdom. It's not merely a lack of intelligence but a moral deficiency that leads to destructive behavior.
* **Plucketh it down (Hebrew, _hâraç'_):** From H2040, a primitive root meaning "to pull down or in pieces, break, destroy; beat down, break (down, through), destroy, overthrow, pluck down, pull down, ruin, throw down, [idiom] utterly." This verb signifies active demolition, ruin, and destruction. It implies a deliberate or negligent act that leads to the disintegration and collapse of the household.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Every wise woman buildeth her house":** This clause introduces the positive archetype, emphasizing that wisdom is not passive but actively constructive. The "wise woman" (`chokmôwth 'ishshah`) possesses the practical skill and moral discernment (`chokmah`) to manage her household effectively. To "build her house" (`bânâh bayith`) encompasses far more than physical construction; it means to establish, strengthen, nurture, and ensure the prosperity and stability of the entire family unit, its reputation, and its legacy for future generations. Her actions are characterized by prudence, diligence, and a commitment to order and well-being.
* **"but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands":** This contrasting clause presents the negative archetype. The "foolish" (`'ivveleth`) woman is marked by a lack of discernment, impulsivity, and often moral deficiency. Her actions, whether through active malice, negligence, strife, or self-indulgence, lead to the "plucking down" (`hâraç`) or demolition of her house. This destruction is not accidental but is a direct consequence of her choices and behavior, explicitly attributed to "her hands" (`yâd`), signifying her direct agency and responsibility in the ruin of her own domestic sphere.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 14:1 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. Primarily, it utilizes **Antithetical Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew wisdom literature, where two contrasting lines are juxtaposed to highlight a truth. Here, "wise woman buildeth" is directly opposed to "foolish plucketh it down," creating a sharp, memorable dichotomy that emphasizes the divergent outcomes of wisdom and folly. The concept of "building her house" and "plucking it down" functions as a powerful **Metaphor** for the comprehensive well-being or destruction of the family unit, extending beyond mere physical structures to encompass relationships, reputation, and legacy. Furthermore, the abstract qualities of wisdom and folly are almost **Personified** through the women who embody them, making the proverb relatable and emphasizing that character is made manifest through tangible actions. The phrase "with her hands" adds a layer of **Synecdoche**, where the part (hands) represents the whole person's active agency and responsibility in the outcome.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb deeply connects with the broader biblical theology of creation and order. God is presented as the ultimate Builder, establishing the cosmos and calling humanity to steward His creation. Wisdom, therefore, aligns with God's design for flourishing, while folly represents a departure from it, leading to chaos and destruction. The "house" here symbolizes not just the physical dwelling but the entire sphere of influence and responsibility entrusted to an individual. The proverb underscores the theological truth that human actions have real, tangible consequences, reflecting either alignment with God's wisdom or rebellion against it. It highlights the sacredness of the family unit as a primary sphere where divine principles are to be lived out.

* [Psalm 127:1](/psalm/127-1 "Psalm 127:1 - Unless the Lord builds the house")
* [Titus 2:3-5](/titus/2-3 "Titus 2:3-5 - Older women teaching younger women")
* [Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 14:1 offers profound insights for contemporary life, calling every individual to examine the nature of their contributions to their own "house"—whether it be their literal home, their workplace, their community, or even their own inner life. It challenges us to ask whether our actions, words, and attitudes are constructive or destructive. Are we actively "building" through patience, encouragement, diligent work, and wise financial stewardship, fostering an environment of peace, growth, and flourishing? Or are we, through neglect, criticism, impulsiveness, or moral compromise, "plucking down" the very foundations of what we are called to nurture? This proverb serves as a powerful reminder that our character is not abstract but manifests in tangible ways, shaping the realities of those around us. It encourages intentionality in cultivating wisdom, recognizing that true wisdom, rooted in the fear of the Lord, empowers us to be agents of stability and blessing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways am I actively "building" or "plucking down" my home, relationships, or community through my daily choices?**
* **What specific areas of my life might be characterized by "folly" and how can I intentionally cultivate "wisdom" to bring about constructive change?**
* **How does my understanding of God's wisdom inform my practical decisions regarding finances, relationships, and personal habits?**

### FAQ
**Does this proverb only apply to women?**

Answer: While Proverbs 14:1 specifically mentions "woman," the principles of wisdom building and folly destroying are universal throughout the book of Proverbs and the entire Bible. The focus on the woman highlights her crucial and influential role within the ancient Israelite household, which was the foundational unit of society. However, the underlying truth—that wisdom leads to constructive outcomes and folly to destructive ones—applies equally to men, leaders, and indeed, any individual or group in a position of influence. Other proverbs, such as [Proverbs 10:8](/proverbs/10-8 "Proverbs 10:8 - The wise of heart will receive commands"), speak to the general application of wisdom.

**What does it mean to "build her house" in a practical sense today?**

Answer: To "build her house" extends beyond physical construction to encompass nurturing the family's emotional, spiritual, and relational well-being. Practically, this means fostering a loving and supportive atmosphere, managing resources wisely, raising children with moral and spiritual guidance (as encouraged in [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teach your children diligently")), promoting communication and reconciliation, and maintaining a good reputation in the community. It involves intentional effort to create a stable, flourishing environment where all members can thrive.

**How does one acquire the "wisdom" mentioned in this proverb?**

Answer: Biblical wisdom, as presented in Proverbs, is not merely intellectual knowledge but a practical skill for living rightly, rooted in a reverent relationship with God. [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom") explicitly states that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." Therefore, acquiring wisdom involves seeking God through His Word, prayer, and obedience. It also comes through learning from experience, seeking counsel from godly mentors, and discerning the consequences of choices. It is a lifelong process of growth in character and discernment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Proverbs 14:1 offers practical wisdom for human conduct, its deepest fulfillment is found in Christ. Jesus Christ is the embodiment of divine wisdom, the very `Logos` through whom all things were created and sustained ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1 "John 1:1-3 - In the beginning was the Word")). He perfectly "built" the house of God through His life, ministry, and ultimate sacrifice, establishing the Church as His spiritual household ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets")). Unlike the foolish who pluck down, Christ's work was entirely constructive and redemptive, culminating in His resurrection which secured our eternal dwelling with God. Furthermore, Christ's teachings, such as the parable of the [wise and foolish builders in Matthew 7](/matthew/7-24 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders"), directly echo the proverb's principle, emphasizing that true stability and life are found in hearing and obeying His words. Through His Spirit, believers are empowered to live wisely, building up their own lives, families, and communities in a way that reflects the constructive, redemptive work of Christ, becoming living stones in the spiritual house He is continually building ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living stones in a spiritual house")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 31:10

¶ Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price [is] far above rubies.

Proverbs 31:31

Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Proverbs 24:3

¶ Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:

Proverbs 24:4

And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

Proverbs 21:9

¶ [It is] better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.

Proverbs 21:19

¶ [It is] better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.

Ruth 4:11

And all the people that [were] in the gate, and the elders, said, [We are] witnesses. The LORD make the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Bethlehem: