Thoughts on Proverbs 14:1

A wise woman builds her house, but the foolish woman tears it down with her own to hands. Proverbs 14:1

The results of our actions can either build up our home or tear it down. Our families need to have a place in which they are protected from the world and its influences and we are responsible for making that happen. If we do not create a loving and secure environment physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, then we are tearing down our homes.

We often give ourselves too much credit and make excuses for our behavior. Since we tend to focus on what we do well and frequently sweep our weaknesses under the rug, the next series of questions are to get our thinking caps on and prayerfully consider the things we are doing, or not doing, as the case may be. These are questions that I know I need to ask myself on a daily basis as a reminder of my goal to serve and love my family.

These questions came from a difficult time in my life when I was convicted that I was the foolish woman.

In what ways can we tear down our own homes?

• Do I nag to get people to respond to me?
• Am I raising my voice continuously to my family?
• Am I respecting my husband’s authority?
• How about honoring him?
• Are my children being disciplined consistently to bring about peaceful coexistence?
• Do I share my husband’s faults with others?
• Am I quick to overlook my husband’s faults?
• Do I spend time in the Word, daily, seeking God’s wisdom and strength?
• Am I striving to be gentle and kind to my family?
• Am I serving my family to the best of my ability?
• Time, am I using it well?
• Am I argumentative most of the time?
• Am I ill-natured? Do I find fault with most everything?
• Am I trying to make my home a place without discord? Being harmonious instead?
• Are my children being encouraged to seek God?
• How much time do I spend being angry?
• Do my children know that I love them? Have I told them? Shown them?
• Does my husband know that I love him? Have I told him? Shown him?
• How is my overall attitude?
• Do I spend time whining about my circumstances?
• Do I strive to be good natured?
• Do I complain too much?
• Are the fruits of the Spirit evident in my life? Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control?

You can add your own thoughts as God shows you.

We need to recognize sin for what it is, repent and ask God to help us gain victory in the area we each struggle in. We need to also ask our families for forgiveness as well. If we do not have self-control over these areas we will continue to tear down our homes. Join me in the pursuit of building up our homes not tearing them down.