King James Version

What Does Proverbs 14:1 Mean?

Proverbs 14:1 in the King James Version says “Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.”

Proverbs 14:1 · KJV

Context

1

Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.

2

He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.

3

In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.

Read Proverbs 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This proverb uses feminine imagery to contrast wisdom and folly: 'Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.' Though gendered, the principle applies universally—wisdom builds while folly destroys. The 'wise woman' actively constructs (banah) her household through diligent effort, wise management, and godly character. The 'foolish' woman actively demolishes (haras—tears down, destroys) her own house through her actions. The phrase 'with her hands' emphasizes deliberate action—the destruction isn't accidental but the result of foolish choices. Whether through poor management, contentious behavior, or ungodly living, folly undermines the home from within.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient Israelite patriarchal culture, women bore primary responsibility for household management. The Proverbs 31 woman exemplifies the wise woman who builds her house through industry, integrity, and godliness. Yet the principle transcends gender roles—whoever manages a household builds it through wisdom or destroys it through folly. The metaphor also applies to broader 'houses' (families, communities, churches, nations).

Reflection Questions

  1. In what specific ways are you building up your household (or community, or church) through wise choices and godly character?
  2. What foolish patterns or behaviors might you be inadvertently using to tear down what should be built up?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
חַכְמ֣וֹת1 of 7

“Every wise”

H2454

wisdom

נָ֭שִׁים2 of 7

“woman”

H802

a woman

בָּנְתָ֣ה3 of 7

“buildeth”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

בֵיתָ֑הּ4 of 7

“her house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וְ֝אִוֶּ֗לֶת5 of 7

“but the foolish”

H200

silliness

בְּיָדֶ֥יהָ6 of 7

“with her hands”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

תֶהֶרְסֶֽנּוּ׃7 of 7

“plucketh it down”

H2040

to pull down or in pieces, break, destroy

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 14:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 14:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 31:10-31Proverbs 24:3-4Proverbs 21:9Proverbs 21:19Ruth 4:11Proverbs 9:13-15

Test Your Knowledge

Proverbs 14 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterProverbs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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