Build (Daily Encouragement)
The wise women builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down – Proverbs 14:1
There is a call to build and establish a “house” with wisdom. The word “house” means not to merely construct a physical dwelling but to lay the foundations for a family’s life—socially, economically, materially, emotionally, spiritually. What a husband and wife contribute to the affairs of the household will depend on each spouse’s gifts and skills. Proverbs 31 lays out what this wife does, it is not an absolute template for all wives or all husbands. While the husband is called to be the head of the household, both contribute what gifts they have in various areas to build a flourishing life. There is a call to build:
Economically – Pr 31:13 – She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. This passage teaches that marriage, among many other things, is an economic unit. Both partners stimulate and cooperate in accruing wealth for the family. Despite the likely differences in earning capacities, and whether one stays home to keep house, both spouse are ultimately breadwinners.
A Ministry – Pr 31:20 – She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. Proverbs teaches that the wise and righteous are generous and advocates for the poor (11:24; 28:27; 29:7, 14). Jesus challenges us to open our homes to those in need (Luke 14:12-13). That could mean the elderly, the chronically sick, single parents, or new immigrants. A husband and wife should have a strategy for together extending practical love, especially to their needy neighbors (Luke 10:25-37)
A Home – Pr 31:21-22 – When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Many criticize the “cult of domesticity,” the emphasis on the creation of the perfect house and home. It is seen as a responsibility traditionally given exclusively to women in order to so absorb them that they have no energy for public life. Proverbs 31 shatters these either-or categories. It depicts a wife who is deeply involved in public commerce, yet in a way that takes nothing from home life. For a home to be a true haven, it must be as well ordered, visually appealing, and restorative a place as possible. It does not require affluence to create such a place, but it does take creativity, ingenuity, and constant work.
Spiritually – Pr 31:26 – She speak with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. Faithful instruction is “teaching filled with lovingkindness”. The word means to shepherd—to lovingly but directively care for people. the Bible calls all Christians to mutually shepherd one another. We are to bear the burdens, admonish and counsel, exhort and correct, encourage and strengthen, teach the Bible, confess sins, forgive and reconcile with one another. This one-another ministry is given to all believers, so how much more should a husband and wife shepherd not only each other but especially their children!
The Scriptures give a beautiful call to “build” a life and family that is flourishing economically, in ministry to others, creating a home and spiritually.
*Adapted from God’s Wisdom for Navigating Life by Tim Keller