Proverbs 14
Saturday, 5 March 2022
“A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.” – Proverbs 14:1
Building a home is quite different from building a house- an old saying goes: “A house is built by hands but a home is built by hearts.” And a major role of building a home rests with the woman of the home both in the role of a wife and a mother. Hearts knit together in the family make a blessed home!
The Amplified version of our key verses reads: 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].
What godly precepts should go into building a blessed home?
The Fear of the LORD
That’s where wisdom starts! Vs.27 says: “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life…” Unless one has given his/her life to the reign of the Lord, it is impossible to build his/her life on godly principles. A woman who desires to be wise has to first submit her life to the lordship of Christ who will guide her life with the principles of God’s Word to build her home well!
Love in the home
Titus 2:4&5 says, “Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.” A good homemaker has God’s love and love for her family which directs her good deeds in the home and outside. Otherwise it becomes a series of mundane chores to be done every day! Love, submission and honour for one another make a joyful home! When children grow in a home fostered in love and respect, they will become good citizens of tomorrow.
A word for those whose spouses do not yet know the Lord: 1 Peter 3:1&2[NLT]: “In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over by observing your pure and reverent lives.” Would you have faith that the forgiveness and acceptance in the outworking of God’s love- through you- godly wife and your ardent prayers in faith for his salvation will turn him to the Lord one day?
A Good Example
Proverbs 6:20 says, “My son, obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.” Parents are to set good examples before their children not just in their instructions to them but in the way they conduct their lives before them. Children will imbibe/imitate what their parents portray- hence its of utmost importance what we model before them! A mother’s (father’s too) words of kindness and encouragement go a long way in the personal development of children. The principles/values taught and lived out in the home will be the building blocks of their lives. A mother especially has great influence on her children in her life of prayer and diligence!
Though our key verse points to a wise woman, let us understand our roles as parents in building a godly home. As we examine our lives before the Lord, His Spirit will point out our failings that will help us rectify them with His help! May our homes portray to the outside world a blessed one where Christ is the Head and all the family its happy members!
Thought for the Day: “Strength of character may be learned at work, but beauty of character is learned at home.” ~Henry Drummond
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