There are moments in this study I must say that I want to jump ahead or get done quicker; but, I recognize impatience is certainly not a virtue to pursue here. There is way too much rich knowledge packed tightly into the book of Proverbs and so onward I must go, step by step as I take us on this journey through Proverbs. At this point we have reached chapter 14. As I studied and prayerfully pondered upon this chapter it appears to me to be divided into three sections. Although once more each verse can stand alone; I see somewhat of a clustering of thought as well. Verses 1-11 refer to how a wise woman can build up her family, verses 12-27 contrasts counterfeit joy with real joy, and versus 28-35 address the need for God’s wisdom in a nation’s government. So, for today let us look at verses 1-11.
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Proverbs 14:1 (NIV) “The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.”
Seems obvious doesn’t it? What woman would want to destroy her home and her family? No one would do that, would they? Yet, too often we destroy the family unit with arguments, selfish desires, pity parties, and an unforgiving spirit.
It is the loving kindness and grace of God that has forgiven my failures. It has been a step by step process that God is continuing to work in my life and I am His student through this book. So let us look closely at the next few verses so that we may learn to be the wise matriarchs God has intended us to be. Proverbs 14:2 (AMP) “2 He who walks in uprightness reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord, but he who is contrary and devious in his ways despises Him.” As we have already seen, the beginning of wisdom is found only in God. Without God there is no wisdom to build the house upon. Just as the parable that Jesus told, whether a house stands during the storms of life depends upon the foundation. (Luke 6:48-49). “11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” I Corinthians 3:11 (KJV). So for a woman to build a home that will endure the trials and storms of life, she must begin with the foundation being that of Christ. She cannot do this on her own, for trials will come, struggles will confront her, and sorrows may at times overwhelm her. There is no hope for the house to stand unless it is anchored deep in the solid rock of faith. God must be first. To reverently fear God is to stand is such awe, to tremble with desire to please because of love and devotion. Love places the object of one’s love above all else. I remember how much I loved my deceased husband, Pedro Barba, Jr. My whole world was wrapped around a desire to please him, to ease the burden of his life, and to bring a ray of happiness to him. I had failed at marriage before; yet, God graciously needed to teach me something about unconditional love. So, He gave me this grand opportunity to love someone. Pete’s desires became more important than my own as I grew in that love. There I began to learn of the magnitude of God’s love for me. Though my love was imperfect, God used it to show me a glimpse of the glory of love. There it was I saw a tiny sparkle of what God’s love for me was like. There it was I began to fall madly in love with my Savior. Even now, I know that I fail to love God with all the passion, devotion and wonder which I should. Do I desire to lay aside all else that I might serve Him? Do I count everything else worthless as compared to Him? Oh, that my love would burn fervently for Him every moment of every day as a reminder, a guide, and a light along my path. Perhaps it would seem I got sidetracked from the message; but, I think not. The wise woman will build her house first upon the foundation of love and devotion for God. That is the only foundation which will stand firm. That is the only way to avoid foolish words of pride (verse 3). To see God in all His wonder and beauty forces one to be humbled. Seeing Him in all His Glory causes one to focus on the harvest and not be burdened by the toil (verse 4). Seeing His righteousness and His omniscience forces one’s lips to always speak with truth and virtue (verses 5 and 8) Seeing His omnipotence and love bends a woman’s heart to understanding and removes the cynical thoughts that can destroy her and those around her (verse 6). Learning of Him through prayer and bible study gives one the wisdom to discern when people give foolish, ungodly advice so one can flee from their counsel (verse 7). Seeing His marvelous grace and mercy, gives one the strength to stand firm by knowing who we are in Christ as His righteousness, strength, love and joy flow through us (verse 9). Knowing, loving, and trusting Him, there is a place at the foot of the cross where I may go to pour out all my sorrows, my tears, my joys, my hopes and my dreams. There is a place of solace and freedom where I know that I am covered by His Love. There is no one else who can be trusted as a friend with the same depth that He can be trusted (verse 10). So how does the wise woman build her house? Love God with all of her mind, heart, spirit and soul; then, leave the consequences in His mighty Hands of Love (verse 11)
Oh let my life song always remain, When I Fell in Love with You by Dennis Jernigan
When I Fell In Love With You – Dennis Jernigan
© 2014 Effie Darlene Barba
New International Version (NIV)
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