Proverbs 14:1-4 - The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down. Whoever walks in uprightness fears the Lord, but he who is devious in his ways despises him. In the mouth of a fool is a rod for his back, but the lips of the wise will preserve them.

Proverbs 14:1-4 contrasts the way of wisdom with the way of folly. The wise woman builds her house through prudent management, godly character, and diligent effort. She increases the property, furnishings, and provisions for her household. In contrast, the foolish woman tears down her house through laziness, wastefulness, and lack of foresight. Her foolishness is destructive to her home. Whoever walks in uprightness demonstrates that they fear and reverence the Lord. They carefully consider their way and seek to be obedient to God. But the one who is devious and perverse in their ways shows that they despise God and rebel against His authority. Their disobedience reveals the depth of their sin and rebellion. The fool invites punishment through their proud, reckless speech. Their words become a rod for their own back. But the wise person is preserved by their prudent words. They speak carefully and truthfully. Where the fool tears down, the wise build up. True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. As we reverence Him and walk in obedience, we tap into His wisdom for life. God's wisdom enables us to build strong homes, relationships and lives. But if we reject God's wisdom and instruction, folly will lead us to tear down everything we build. The only sure foundation is the wisdom that comes from above.

This passage in Proverbs provides a vivid picture of the stark contrast between godly wisdom and destructive folly. So often we can be tempted to chart our own course in life, to lean on our own understanding rather than seeking God's wisdom and direction. But this always leads to ruin in the end. The wise woman in Proverbs is a tremendous example for us. She diligently builds her house in every way - physically by maintaining her home, relationally by nurturing her family, and spiritually by centering her household on the Lord. She is prudent and industrious, not eating the bread of idleness but working hard to bless and build up those around her. In contrast, the foolish woman is lazy, wasteful and neglectful. By her own hands, she tears down everything of value in her life. Her house lies in shambles, not just physically, but relationally and spiritually as well. Folly always has this destructive effect. The same is true in our own lives. When we walk in the fear of the Lord, carefully considering our ways and seeking to honor Him, we tap into the source of all wisdom. God generously gives us the understanding and discernment we need to make wise choices and to build lives of purpose and impact. But when we despise God's wisdom and instruction, insisting on going our own way, we set ourselves up for disaster. The words we speak are also so crucial. The fool's proud, reckless speech becomes a rod for their own back, bringing all sorts of trouble and punishment. But the wise person speaks carefully, truthfully and graciously. Their words preserve and protect them. What a difference the tongue can make! True wisdom is not just about information or intelligence. It starts with fearing the Lord - revering Him, honoring Him, and aligning our lives with His ways. This is the foundation for a life that is truly blessed and built to last. But folly will always lead to destruction in the end, tearing down everything in its path. May we be like the wise woman of Proverbs, diligently building our homes and lives on the firm foundation of God's wisdom. And may we be quick to turn from the folly that seeks to lure us away from God's perfect path. For it is only in walking with Him that we find the abundant life our souls crave.

Heavenly Father, Your wisdom is perfect and Your ways are always best. Forgive me for the times I have charted my own foolish course rather than seeking Your direction. I want to revere You and follow Your wisdom in every area of my life. Like the wise woman of Proverbs, give me a heart to diligently build my home and all that You entrust to me. Help me to be prudent and faithful with my time, my words, my relationships and resources. Keep me far from folly and its destructive power. Lord, I know that on my own I don't have the wisdom I need for the challenges I face. But You generously give wisdom to all who ask in faith. So I am asking You for wisdom today. Help me discern Your will and give me the courage to obey, even when it's hard. May my life be built on the firm foundation of fearing You. Use me to build up and bless those around me for Your glory. Thank You that as I walk in Your wisdom, I can be confident that my life is in Your hands. In Jesus' name, Amen.