CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 14:1 Every wise woman builds her house, but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/14-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/20_Pro_14_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 14:1 - The Wise Woman" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Every wise woman builds her house, but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/14-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/14-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/14.htm">Chapter 14</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/13-25.htm" title="Proverbs 13:25">◄</a> Proverbs 14:1 <a href="/proverbs/14-2.htm" title="Proverbs 14:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/14.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/14.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/14.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/14.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/14.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Every wise woman builds her house, but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/14.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/14.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish pulls it down with her hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/14.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish tears it down with her own hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/14.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish tears it down with her own hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/14.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish tears it down with her own hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/14.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The wise woman builds her house, But the woman of folly tears it down with her own hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/14.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The wise woman builds her house [on a foundation of godly precepts, and her household thrives], But the foolish one [who lacks spiritual insight] tears it down with her own hands [by ignoring godly principles].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/14.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Every wise woman builds her house, but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/14.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Every wise woman builds her house, but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/14.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Every wise woman buildeth her house; But the foolish plucketh it down with her own hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/14.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />A woman's family is held together by her wisdom, but it can be destroyed by her foolishness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/14.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her own hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/14.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The wisest of women builds up her home, but a stupid one tears it down with her own hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/14.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Homes are made by the wisdom of women, but are destroyed by foolishness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/14.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Every wise woman builds up her household, but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/14.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Every wise woman builds her house, but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/14.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Every wise woman builds her household, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/14.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Every wise woman builds her house, but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/14.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/14.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Every wise woman builds her house, but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/14.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Every wise woman has built her house, "" And the foolish breaks it down with her hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/14.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Every wise woman hath builded her house, And the foolish with her hands breaketh it down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/14.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The wise woman built her house but the foolish will pull it down with her hands.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/14.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />A wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish will pull down with her hands that also which is built. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/14.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />A wise woman builds up her household. But a foolish one will pull down with her own hands what has been built up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/14.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Wisdom builds her house, but Folly tears hers down with her own hands. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/14.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/14.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />A WISE woman builds her house; but the foolish tears it down with her own hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/14.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />A wise woman builds a house and the foolish woman destroys it with her hands.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/14.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Every wise woman buildeth her house; But the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/14.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Wise women build houses: but a foolish one digs <i>hers</i> down with her hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/14-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=2542" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/14.htm">The Wise Woman</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2450.htm" title="2450: ḥaḵ·mō·wṯ (Adj-fpc) -- Wise. From chakam; wise.">Every wise</a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: nā·šîm (N-fp) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">woman</a> <a href="/hebrew/1129.htm" title="1129: bā·nə·ṯāh (V-Qal-Perf-3fs) -- To build. A primitive root; to build.">builds</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: ḇê·ṯāh (N-msc:: 3fs) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">her house,</a> <a href="/hebrew/200.htm" title="200: wə·’iw·we·leṯ (Conj-w:: N-fs) -- Folly. From the same as 'eviyl; silliness.">but a foolish one</a> <a href="/hebrew/2040.htm" title="2040: ṯe·her·sen·nū (V-Qal-Imperf-3fs:: 3mse) -- To throw down, break or tear down. A primitive root; to pull down or in pieces, break, &? Destroy.">tears it down</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: bə·yā·ḏe·hā (Prep-b:: N-fdc:: 3fs) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">with her own hands.</a> </span><span class="reftext">2</span>He who walks in uprightness fears the LORD, but the one who is devious in his ways despises Him.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/24-3.htm">Proverbs 24:3-4</a></span><br />By wisdom a house is built and by understanding it is established; / through knowledge its rooms are filled with every precious and beautiful treasure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/31-10.htm">Proverbs 31:10-31</a></span><br />A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies. / The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he lacks nothing of value. / She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-24.htm">Matthew 7:24-27</a></span><br />Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock. / But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-10.htm">1 Corinthians 3:10-15</a></span><br />By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one must be careful how he builds. / For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. / If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-15.htm">Ephesians 5:15-17</a></span><br />Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, / redeeming the time, because the days are evil. / Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-13.htm">James 3:13-18</a></span><br />Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. / But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. / Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-1.htm">1 Peter 3:1-6</a></span><br />Wives, in the same way, submit yourselves to your husbands, so that even if they refuse to believe the word, they will be won over without words by the behavior of their wives / when they see your pure and reverent demeanor. / Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/2-3.htm">Titus 2:3-5</a></span><br />Older women, likewise, are to be reverent in their behavior, not slanderers or addicted to much wine, but teachers of good. / In this way they can train the young women to love their husbands and children, / to be self-controlled, pure, managers of their households, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be discredited.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/5-14.htm">1 Timothy 5:14</a></span><br />So I advise the younger widows to marry, have children, and manage their households, denying the adversary occasion for slander.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-18.htm">Colossians 3:18-19</a></span><br />Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. / Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/2-18.htm">Genesis 2:18-24</a></span><br />The LORD God also said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make for him a suitable helper.” / And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and He brought them to the man to see what he would name each one. And whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. / The man gave names to all the livestock, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam no suitable helper was found. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/11-1.htm">1 Kings 11:1-4</a></span><br />King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh—women of Moab, Ammon, Edom, and Sidon, as well as Hittite women. / These women were from the nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, “You must not intermarry with them, for surely they will turn your hearts after their gods.” Yet Solomon clung to these women in love. / He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines—and his wives turned his heart away. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/4-8.htm">2 Kings 4:8-10</a></span><br />One day Elisha went to Shunem, and a prominent woman who lived there persuaded him to have a meal. So whenever he would pass by, he would stop there to eat. / Then the woman said to her husband, “Behold, now I know that the one who often comes our way is a holy man of God. / Please let us make a small room upstairs and put in it a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp for him. Then when he comes to us, he can stay there.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ruth/3-11.htm">Ruth 3:11</a></span><br />And now do not be afraid, my daughter. I will do for you whatever you request, since all my fellow townspeople know that you are a woman of noble character.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/25-3.htm">1 Samuel 25:3</a></span><br />His name was Nabal, and his wife’s name was Abigail. She was an intelligent and beautiful woman, but her husband, a Calebite, was harsh and evil in his dealings.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Every wise woman builds her house: but the foolish plucks it down with her hands.</p><p class="hdg">the foolish</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/9-13.htm">Proverbs 9:13-15</a></b></br> A foolish woman <i>is</i> clamorous: <i>she is</i> simple, and knoweth nothing… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/19-13.htm">Proverbs 19:13</a></b></br> A foolish son <i>is</i> the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife <i>are</i> a continual dropping.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/21-9.htm">Proverbs 21:9,19</a></b></br> <i>It is</i> better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/141-7.htm">Breaketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-1.htm">Builded</a> <a href="/psalms/147-2.htm">Buildeth</a> <a href="/psalms/147-2.htm">Building</a> <a href="/psalms/147-2.htm">Builds</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-16.htm">Folly</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-20.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-11.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/job/39-16.htm">Hers</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-7.htm">House</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-25.htm">Plucketh</a> <a href="/psalms/74-7.htm">Pulling</a> <a href="/psalms/126-5.htm">Tears</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-10.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-20.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/psalms/68-12.htm">Women</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/25-15.htm">Breaketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-3.htm">Builded</a> <a href="/jeremiah/22-13.htm">Buildeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-3.htm">Building</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-19.htm">Builds</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-8.htm">Folly</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-3.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-3.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/zechariah/5-11.htm">Hers</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-9.htm">House</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-25.htm">Plucketh</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-3.htm">Pulling</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-25.htm">Tears</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-6.htm">Wisdom</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-3.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-14.htm">Women</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 14</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/14-1.htm">A wise woman builds her house</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/14.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/14.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Every wise woman builds her house</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the role of wisdom in establishing and maintaining a household. In ancient Israel, the household was the center of economic, social, and spiritual life. A wise woman, therefore, is one who uses her understanding and discernment to create a stable and nurturing environment. This aligns with the biblical portrayal of wisdom as a practical skill, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/31.htm">Proverbs 31</a>, where the virtuous woman is described as industrious and resourceful. The concept of "building" here can be seen as both literal and metaphorical, involving the physical structure of the home and the relational and spiritual foundation of the family. The imagery of building is also used in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to build their lives on the solid foundation of Christ (<a href="/matthew/7-24.htm">Matthew 7:24-27</a>).<p><b>but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands</b><br>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 (<a href="/proverbs/9-13.htm">Proverbs 9:13-18</a>). 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 (<a href="/2_kings/17-7.htm">2 Kings 17:7-23</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/w/wise_woman.htm">Wise Woman</a></b><br>Represents a person who acts with wisdom, understanding, and foresight, contributing positively to her household and community.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/f/foolish_woman.htm">Foolish Woman</a></b><br>Symbolizes someone who lacks wisdom and understanding, leading to destructive actions that harm her household.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/h/house.htm">House</a></b><br>In this context, it refers not just to a physical structure but to the family, relationships, and the overall well-being of the household.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_wisdom_in_the_home.htm">The Value of Wisdom in the Home</a></b><br>Wisdom is crucial for creating a nurturing and stable environment. A wise woman uses her understanding to foster love, peace, and growth within her family.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_foolishness.htm">The Consequences of Foolishness</a></b><br>Foolish actions can lead to the breakdown of relationships and the destruction of the home. It is essential to seek wisdom to avoid these pitfalls.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/building_with_intention.htm">Building with Intention</a></b><br>Just as a house requires a solid foundation and careful construction, so does a family. Intentional actions and decisions rooted in wisdom are necessary for a thriving household.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_women_in_the_household.htm">The Role of Women in the Household</a></b><br>Women have a significant role in shaping the atmosphere and dynamics of their homes. Embracing wisdom and understanding can lead to a positive and lasting impact.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_godly_wisdom.htm">Seeking Godly Wisdom</a></b><br>True wisdom comes from God. Regular prayer, Bible study, and seeking counsel from mature believers can help women grow in wisdom and effectively build their homes.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_14.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 14</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_proverbs_view_wise_vs._foolish_women.htm">How do Proverbs contrast wise and foolish women?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'grace_over_sin'_mean.htm">What does 'Wisdom is justified by her children' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_a_shameful_wife_mean.htm">What does a shameful wife symbolize for her husband?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_mark_11_23_mean.htm">What does a shameful wife symbolize for her husband?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/14.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div><span class= "bld">XIV</span><p>(1) <span class= "bld">Every wise woman buildeth her house.--</span>This should be rendered, "<span class= "ital">The wisdom </span>(literally, <span class= "ital">wisdoms</span>; see above on <a href="/proverbs/1-20.htm" title="Wisdom cries without; she utters her voice in the streets:">Proverbs 1:20</a>; <span class= "ital">chokhmoth </span>should probably be read here, as there, not <span class= "ital">chokhmoth</span>) <span class= "ital">of women buildeth </span>(for each) <span class= "ital">her house, but </span>(their) <span class= "ital">folly plucketh it down," </span>&c.<p><span class= "bld">Buildeth her house.</span>--Each person and each good work throughout the household grows, as it were, under her fostering hand. (Comp. <a href="/ephesians/2-21.htm" title="In whom all the building fitly framed together grows to an holy temple in the Lord:">Ephesians 2:21</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/14.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Every wise woman buildeth her house.</span> Wise women order well their household matters and their families; they have an important influence, and exercise it beneficially. <p><span class="greek">Γυναικὸς ἐσθλῆς ἐστὶ σώζειν οἰκίαν</span>. <p><span class="accented">"A good wife is the saving of a house."</span> The versions render as above. A different pointing of the word translated "wise" (<span class="accented">chakhmoth</span>) will give "wisdom" (<span class="accented">chokhmoth</span>), 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" (<a href="/proverbs/9-1.htm">Proverbs 9:1</a>; comp. <a href="/proverbs/1-20.htm">Proverbs 1:20</a>). Thus: "The wisdom of women buildeth their house" (<a href="/proverbs/12-4.htm">Proverbs 12:4</a>; <a href="/proverbs/24-3.htm">Proverbs 24:3</a>). <span class="cmt_word">But the foolish plucketh it down with her hands</span>; "but Folly plucketh it down with her own hands;" of course, the folly of women is intended. <p><span class="greek">Γυνὴ γὰρ οἴκῳ πῆμα καὶ σωτηρία</span> . . . <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/14-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Every wise</span><br /><span class="heb">חַכְמ֣וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(ḥaḵ·mō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - feminine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2454.htm">Strong's 2454: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wisdom, every wise woman </span><br /><br /><span class="word">woman</span><br /><span class="heb">נָ֭שִׁים</span> <span class="translit">(nā·šîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> </span><span class="str2">Woman, wife, female</span><br /><br /><span class="word">builds</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּנְתָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(bā·nə·ṯāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1129.htm">Strong's 1129: </a> </span><span class="str2">To build</span><br /><br /><span class="word">her house,</span><br /><span class="heb">בֵיתָ֑הּ</span> <span class="translit">(ḇê·ṯāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> </span><span class="str2">A house</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but a foolish one</span><br /><span class="heb">וְ֝אִוֶּ֗לֶת</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’iw·we·leṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_200.htm">Strong's 200: </a> </span><span class="str2">Silliness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">tears it down</span><br /><span class="heb">תֶהֶרְסֶֽנּוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(ṯe·her·sen·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2040.htm">Strong's 2040: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pull down, in pieces, break, & destroy</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with her own hands.</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּיָדֶ֥יהָ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·yā·ḏe·hā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - fdc | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hand</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/14-1.htm">Proverbs 14:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/14-1.htm">Proverbs 14:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/14-1.htm">Proverbs 14:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/14-1.htm">Proverbs 14:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/14-1.htm">Proverbs 14:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/14-1.htm">Proverbs 14:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/14-1.htm">Proverbs 14:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/14-1.htm">Proverbs 14:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/14-1.htm">Proverbs 14:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/14-1.htm">Proverbs 14:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/14-1.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 14:1 Every wise woman builds her house (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/13-25.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 13:25"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 13:25" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/14-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 14:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 14:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>