잠언 Chapter 14

Translation: ESV

1

The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down.

Key Message

The wise woman builds her home and the foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.

▸This verse presents women as agents of both wisdom and folly.

This verse presents women as agents of both wisdom and folly. The wise woman builds her home, while the foolish woman tears it down with her own hands. Building a home is the fruit of wisdom; destroying it is the result of foolishness. The theme of the capable woman in chapter 31 begins here.

Related Verses

An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.
12

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

Key Message

Even a path that seems right to human judgment can lead to death by God's standard.

▸This is a warning that a path that appears outwardly right may actually lead to death.

31

Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.

Key Message

One's attitude toward the socially vulnerable is a reflection of one's attitude toward God; helping them is honoring God.

▸This declares that one's attitude toward the socially vulnerable is identical to one's attitude toward God.

34

Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.

Key Message

Righteousness exalting a nation and sin bringing shame to a people is a moral law that applies to communities, not merely individuals.

▸This declares a moral principle at the national level, transcending individual ethics.