An excerpt from the original text.(complete · 607 words)
20:014:001 very wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh
it down with her hands.
20:014:002 He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he
that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.
20:014:003 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of
the wise shall preserve them.
20:014:004 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by
the strength of the ox.
20:014:005 A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will
utter lies.
20:014:006 A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is
easy unto him that understandeth.
20:014:007 Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest
not in him the lips of knowledge.
20:014:008 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the
folly of fools is deceit.
20:014:009 Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is
favour.
20:014:010 The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not
intermeddle with his joy.
20:014:011 The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the
tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.
20:014:012 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end
thereof are the ways of death.
20:014:013 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that
mirth is heaviness.
20:014:014 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and
a good man shall be satisfied from himself.
20:014:015 The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh
well to his going.
20:014:016 A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool
rageth, and is confident.
20:014:017 He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked
devices is hated.
20:014:018 The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with
knowledge.
20:014:019 The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of
the righteous.
20:014:020 The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath
many friends.
20:014:021 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath
mercy on the poor, happy is he.
20:014:022 Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be
to them that devise good.
20:014:023 In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips
tendeth only to penury.
20:014:024 The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of
fools is folly.
20:014:025 A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness
speaketh lies.
20:014:026 In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children
shall have a place of refuge.
20:014:027 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the
snares of death.
20:014:028 In the multitude of people is the king's honour: but in the
want of people is the destruction of the prince.
20:014:029 He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he
that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
20:014:030 A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the
rottenness of the bones.
20:014:031 He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that
honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.
20:014:032 The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous
hath hope in his death.
20:014:033 Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding:
but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.
20:014:034 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any
people.
20:014:035 The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is
against him that causeth shame.
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Let's Analyse the Pattern
Every action either builds up or tears down, and the cumulative effect of small daily choices determines whether you construct or demolish your life.
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how small daily choices compound into major life outcomes over time.
Practice This Today
This week, notice when you're tempted to complain versus solve, and choose the action that builds rather than tears down.
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Key Quotes & Analysis
"Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands."
Context: Opening verse that sets up the chapter's theme of building versus destroying
This powerful image shows how our choices either create stability or cause destruction in our lives. The contrast between building up and tearing down with your own hands emphasizes personal responsibility for outcomes.
In Today's Words:
Smart people create stability in their lives, but foolish people sabotage themselves.
"Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox."
Context: Teaching about the relationship between effort and results
This verse acknowledges that real productivity requires accepting some mess and inconvenience. You can have a perfectly clean, empty barn or a messy, productive one - but not both.
In Today's Words:
If you want real results, you have to accept that the process won't always be neat and tidy.
"There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death."
Context: Warning about trusting our own judgment without seeking wisdom
This sobering reminder shows that good intentions and personal confidence aren't enough. What feels right in the moment can lead to serious consequences if we don't seek wisdom beyond our own perspective.
In Today's Words:
Just because something feels right doesn't mean it won't lead you off a cliff.
"He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly."
Context: Teaching about emotional control and wisdom
This verse connects emotional regulation with intelligence and understanding. Quick anger is presented not as passion but as foolishness that puts itself on display for everyone to see.
In Today's Words:
People who can keep their cool show real intelligence, but hot-heads just advertise their foolishness.
Thematic Threads
Work Ethics
In This Chapter
Contrasts empty talk with actual productivity—those who work have abundance while those who just talk face poverty
Development
Builds on earlier themes about diligence, now focusing on the gap between words and actions
In Your Life:
You might recognize this in coworkers who talk big about projects but never deliver results.
Emotional Regulation
In This Chapter
Emphasizes that slow-to-anger people show understanding while quick-tempered people display foolishness
Development
Expands previous teachings about anger management into a marker of wisdom versus foolishness
In Your Life:
You see this when you react too quickly to criticism and later regret what you said in anger.
Social Dynamics
In This Chapter
Acknowledges harsh reality that poor people face rejection while rich people attract friends
Development
Continues honest examination of how money affects relationships and social standing
In Your Life:
You might notice how people treat you differently based on your job title or financial situation.
Discernment
In This Chapter
Warns against believing every word and emphasizes the need to verify information
Development
Builds on themes of wisdom by focusing on critical thinking and information evaluation
In Your Life:
You encounter this when deciding whether to believe workplace gossip or social media claims.
Mercy
In This Chapter
Frames kindness to the poor as honoring God, while oppressing them brings reproach
Development
Continues emphasis on caring for vulnerable people as a moral imperative
In Your Life:
You face this choice when encountering homeless individuals or coworkers struggling financially.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
Solomon contrasts wise women who build their households with foolish ones who tear them down 'with their own hands.' What specific daily actions do you think build up a home versus tear it down?
analysis • surface - 2
The chapter says 'In all labor there is profit, but idle chatter leads only to poverty.' Why do you think talking about work often substitutes for actually doing work, both in jobs and personal projects?
analysis • medium - 3
Solomon observes that 'the poor is hated even by his own neighbor, but the rich has many friends.' Where do you see this dynamic playing out in modern workplaces, schools, or social media?
application • medium - 4
The proverb warns that 'there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.' Think of a time when you or someone you know chose a path that seemed obviously right but led to problems. How could you spot these traps earlier?
application • deep - 5
Throughout this chapter, Solomon presents choices as either building up or tearing down. What does this binary thinking reveal about how small daily decisions shape our lives over time?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
The Builder vs. Destroyer Audit
Track your actions for one typical day and categorize each significant choice as either 'building' or 'tearing down' in three areas: relationships, work/productivity, and personal growth. Don't judge yourself—just observe the patterns. Look for moments when you chose words that built someone up versus tore them down, when you did actual work versus just talked about it, or when you made choices that moved you forward versus held you back.
Consider:
- •Small actions count more than dramatic gestures—focus on ordinary moments
- •Notice which category most of your choices fall into naturally
- •Pay attention to what triggers your 'tearing down' choices versus 'building up' ones
Journaling Prompt
Write about one relationship in your life that you've been unconsciously tearing down through small actions. What would it look like to start building it up instead? What's the first small change you could make tomorrow?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 15: The Power of Words and Wisdom
The next chapter opens with one of the most practical pieces of relationship advice ever written: 'A soft answer turns away wrath.' Solomon is about to dive deep into the power of words and how they can either heal or destroy.
