Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 14:1, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.
American Standard Version
Every wise woman buildeth her house; But the foolish plucketh it down with her own hands.
World English Bible version
Every wise woman builds her house, but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands.
Proverbs 14:1 Meaning & Commentary
The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down. Proverbs 14:1 (ESV)
This Proverb contrasts someone who acts with wisdom and someone who acts foolishly. One person (through wisdom) builds a house, and another (through folly) tears a house down.
In this verse, The Bible mentions a woman – however, this can certainly be applied to anyone, not only a woman. Also, when this verse speaks about a “house,” this is more a metaphorical example rather than only a physical house.
When Jesus taught the parable of the house being built on sand, he was using that as an analogy for our lives and how we can either build our lives wisely or foolishly:
Matthew 7:24-27 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”
When God’s Word is our standard, and we choose to live life by His principles, guidelines and apply His Wisdom to our lives, we will “build” successfully. This can apply to any aspect of our lives –our marriage, friendships, business, or any other aspect of our lives.
God’s Word is loaded with wisdom and knowledge. However, there are more practical and individual applications for each of us. This is why The Bible also tells us to pray to God and ask Him specifically for Wisdom for our lives: James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
Application
How can we practically apply Proverbs 14:1 to our lives?
Wisdom is the primary “tool” by which we build in our lives: Proverbs 24:3-4 By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
How do we practically apply this to our lives? The first and most obvious starting point is God’s Word – The Bible. As we read God’s Word, we will see and know what to do in certain situations and how to handle those situations. For example, the book of Proverbs is loaded with principles and wisdom on managing money, such as getting out of debt, saving money, leaving an inheritance, etc. We need to allocate time every day in our schedule to read The Word of God. As we do this, we will begin to develop the mind of Christ. Our thinking and perceptions will be renewed, and we will be able to know God’s will more clearly:
Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
We need to be careful not to fall into the trap of only reading God’s Word, but we need to apply it to our lives and do what it says: James 1:22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
We also need to ask God for wisdom every day, which helps us apply God’s Word to our individual circumstances and lives. God promises that when we ask for Wisdom, he will answer us. The threefold chord is a recipe for success – study and know God’s Word, apply it to our lives and ask for wisdom every day from God!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that Your Word is life-giving and trains me in wise and effective living. Help me to go deeper into Your Word than ever before. I pray for more understanding and knowledge of Your Word.
I ask today for Wisdom, knowing that you will hear and answer me. Thank you for helping me build effectively in every area of my life. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen!
