Proverbs 14:1 The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.
I love contrasts.  They paint such a vivid word picture.  It sounds like there are two possible effects I can have on my house. I can build it up or tear it down.  In order to build there needs to be wisdom present.  Foolishness brings about the tearing down of a house with my own two hands ~ blame can be placed on no one else. In James 3 there is another contrast given.  It talks about “wisdom” that is earthly (aka foolishness?) which results in envy, selfish ambition, disorder, and every evil practice (v16). Does that sound like a way to tear apart a household, or what?  Contrast that with the wisdom that comes from heaven which is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere (v17). What could be any better for building up any household than this lack of self-focus?

How often am I using earthly wisdom within the four walls of my house and actually doing things that are detrimental to those living there?  My choices certainly do have an effect on those around me and can keep us from being a close family unit.  It would be easy for me to blame others in the family for air that feels like it could be cut with a knife. Am I willing to take the responsibility when it is mine?  Better yet, am I seeking wisdom from above so that I can quickly recognize any reactions that will do anything other than building up my home to be one in which peace and love are found in every corner?

Lord, grant me your wisdom. Give me time to be still to hear the small voice of your Holy Spirit so that I can build up my house to be pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit (showing love, joy, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, kindness, self control), impartial, and sincere.  Help me to be quick to recognize times when I am tearing down my house with disorder and selfish ambition.  Lord, teach me your ways that I may model them for others in my family. Give me humility to see myself honestly.

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