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Proverbs 9:13-15
A foolish womanis clamorous:she is simple, and knoweth nothing…

Proverbs 19:13
A foolish sonis the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wifeare a continual dropping.

Proverbs 21:9,19
It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house…

but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands
In contrast, the foolish woman lacks the discernment and understanding necessary to maintain her household. The act of tearing down with her own hands suggests intentional or negligent actions that lead to the destruction of the home. This can be understood as poor decision-making, neglect of responsibilities, or destructive behavior that undermines the family unit. The Bible often contrasts wisdom and folly, with folly leading to ruin (Proverbs 9:13-18). The imagery of tearing down one's house is a powerful warning against the consequences of foolishness. This phrase also echoes the broader biblical theme of the consequences of sin and disobedience, as seen in the fall of Israel when they turned away from God's wisdom and guidance (2 Kings 17:7-23).

Proverbs 14:1 opens with, “Every wise woman builds her house”. Wisdom in Scripture is more than intelligence; it is the practical fear of the Lord lived out day by day (Proverbs 1:7).

• Wise character is rooted in reverence: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10).

• She seeks understanding—“Blessed is the man who finds wisdom” (Proverbs 3:13)—and applies it to her family and community.

• Her speech reflects wisdom: “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and loving devotion is on her tongue” (Proverbs 31:26).

• James reminds us that heavenly wisdom is “pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive…” (James 3:17).

Building has both literal and figurative dimensions.

• By diligence and planning: “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established” (Proverbs 24:3-4).

• Through daily stewardship: “She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness” (Proverbs 31:27).

• By fostering an atmosphere of worship: “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15).

• In partnership with God’s enablement: “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1).

• With practical love—managing resources, discipling children, supporting a husband—echoing Paul’s counsel that younger women should “manage their homes” (1 Timothy 5:14;Titus 2:4-5).

The contrast is stark. “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes” (Proverbs 12:15).

• Foolishness despises correction (Proverbs 1:22).

• It trivializes sin—“Doing wrong is a joke to a fool” (Proverbs 10:23).

• Jesus warned of the man who “hears these words…yet does not act on them” and is likened to a fool (Matthew 7:26).

• Foolish behavior disrupts harmony: “A fool’s lips walk into a fight” (Proverbs 18:6).

Destruction need not be dramatic; small, persistent choices erode a household.

• Harmful words: “The tongue is a fire…setting the course of one’s life on fire” (James 3:5-6).

• Contentious spirit: “Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife” (Proverbs 21:9; 25:24).

• Neglect and idleness: “Through laziness the rafters sag” (Ecclesiastes 10:18).

• Gossip or meddling: “Some…become idlers…busy­bodies, talking about things they should not” (1 Timothy 5:13).

• Division: “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste… and a house divided against itself falls” (Matthew 12:25).

• Unchecked bitterness or envy: “If you bite and devour one another, watch out lest you are consumed by one another” (Galatians 5:15).

Proverbs 14:1 places two women side by side: one guided by godly wisdom, steadily constructing a haven of life and faith; the other, driven by folly, dismantling the very structure she inhabits. The verse invites us to embrace wisdom’s path—fearing the Lord, guarding our words, nurturing relationships—and to reject choices that corrode trust and peace. With God’s help, each believer can be a builder, not a demolisher, enabling homes that honor Him and bless all who dwell within.

(1)Every wise woman buildeth her house.--This should be rendered, "The wisdom(literally,wisdoms; see above onProverbs 1:20;chokhmothshould probably be read here, as there, notchokhmoth)of women buildeth(for each)her house, but(their)folly plucketh it down,"&c.

Buildeth her house.--Each person and each good work throughout the household grows, as it were, under her fostering hand. (Comp.Ephesians 2:21.)

Γυναικὸς ἐσθλῆς ἐστὶ σώζειν οἰκίαν.

"A good wife is the saving of a house." The versions render as above. A different pointing of the word translated "wise" (chakhmoth) will give "wisdom" (chokhmoth), which it seems best to read here, as the parallel to the abstract term "folly" in the second member. So we have, "Wisdom hath builded her house" (Proverbs 9:1; comp.Proverbs 1:20). Thus: "The wisdom of women buildeth their house" (Proverbs 12:4;Proverbs 24:3).But the foolish plucketh it down with her hands; "but Folly plucketh it down with her own hands;" of course, the folly of women is intended.

Γυνὴ γὰρ οἴκῳ πῆμα καὶ σωτηρία . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...