Proverbs 14:1

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

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

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

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

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

Proverbs 14:1 presents a powerful and concise contrast regarding the profound impact of a woman's character and actions on her household. It asserts that wisdom leads to the strengthening and prosperity of a home, while folly inevitably leads to its downfall.

Context

As part of the wisdom literature in the Old Testament, the book of Proverbs aims to impart practical divine wisdom for everyday living. It frequently employs sharp contrasts—like wisdom versus folly, righteousness versus wickedness—to illustrate the tangible consequences of choices. This particular verse focuses on the domestic sphere, which was, and remains, the foundational unit of society. The "house" in this context extends beyond a mere physical dwelling to encompass the entire household, family unit, and its legacy.

Key Themes

  • The Power of Influence: The verse highlights the immense power, both positive and negative, that a woman (and by extension, any individual in a foundational role) wields within her home. Her actions, attitudes, and decisions profoundly shape the family's well-being, harmony, reputation, and future.
  • Constructive vs. Destructive Behavior: A "wise woman" is characterized by actions that build, nurture, and establish. This includes managing resources wisely, fostering peace, instructing children, and upholding moral values. Her efforts lead to stability and flourishing. Conversely, a "foolish" woman engages in behaviors that tear down—through neglect, contention, extravagance, gossip, or moral decay—leading to discord, disarray, and the eventual ruin of the household.
  • Wisdom's Tangible Results: This proverb underscores that wisdom is not merely theoretical but practical. It manifests in actions that yield tangible, positive results, much like the description of the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31. Folly, likewise, has visible, destructive consequences.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "house" is bayit (בַּיִת), which refers not just to the physical structure but encompasses the entire household, including family members, their relationships, reputation, and legacy. The word "buildeth" is from the Hebrew banah (בָּנָה), meaning to establish, construct, or cause to prosper. On the other hand, "plucketh it down" is from haras (הָרַס), which signifies to demolish, ruin, or break down, often implying an active, destructive force, or severe negligence.

Practical Application

Proverbs 14:1 offers timeless wisdom applicable to all individuals who contribute to a household or community. It emphasizes that our character profoundly impacts our environment. A wise person, guided by godly principles, diligently works to strengthen relationships, manage resources, and foster a peaceful, thriving atmosphere. Their actions are constructive, building up those around them and creating a lasting positive legacy. In contrast, a foolish person, driven by selfishness, impulsiveness, or a lack of moral discernment, brings discord and decay. This proverb serves as a powerful reminder of the responsibility we each bear to be builders, not destroyers, in our homes, families, and communities, illustrating a principle similar to Christ's teaching on building on a solid foundation.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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:

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