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Book of Proverbs - Chapter 14 - Verse 1

14:1
Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.

Meaning

The verse "Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands." highlights the importance of a woman's role in creating a happy and stable home environment. In this context, "building her house" refers to the act of nurturing and taking care of her family, providing love, support, and guidance. A wise woman understands the significance of her role in shaping the dynamics of her household and works towards maintaining harmony and unity within her family. On the other hand, the "foolish" woman is described as someone who destroys her own home through her actions and decisions. This emphasizes the detrimental impact that a woman's negative behavior or attitude can have on her family and the need for her to be mindful of her actions in order to preserve the well-being of her household. Ultimately, this verse serves as a reminder for women to strive for wisdom and understanding in order to contribute positively to the overall well-being of their homes.

Theological Overview

As a theological interpretation of Proverbs 14:1, the verse speaks to the importance of wisdom in building a strong and stable household. The wise woman mentioned here is considered to be one who is prudent, knowledgeable, and understanding. By exercising wisdom in her words, actions, and decisions, she contributes to the growth and well-being of her family. In contrast, the foolish woman is characterized as one who lacks wisdom and understanding, and her actions result in destructive consequences for her household. This verse emphasizes the powerful influence that women have in shaping the atmosphere and dynamics of their homes.

Regarding word studies, the word 'wise' in this verse is translated from the Hebrew word 'chakam,' which carries the connotation of being skilled, shrewd, and experienced in making sound judgments. On the other hand, the word 'foolish' is translated from the Hebrew word 'kesil,' which refers to someone who is dull, senseless, and lacking in understanding. The contrasting characteristics of wisdom and foolishness highlight the importance of making wise choices in order to build a strong and secure household.

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