The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down (Proverbs 14:1)
Commenting on this passage Charles Bridges says:
…the wife [is] a blessing or a curse to her husband. Such is she to his house. Her wisdom may supply many of his defects; while all the results of his care and prudence may be wasted by her folly. The godly matron is the very soul of the house. She instructs her children by her example, no less than by her teachings. She educates them for God and for eternity; not to shine in the vain show of the world, but in the Church of God…
But mark the foolish woman—her idleness, waste, love of pleasure, want of all forethought and care, her children’s wills allowed, their souls neglected, their happiness ruined! We see her house plucked down in confusion. A sad issue, if an enemy had done this! But it is the doing, or rather undoing, of her own hands. In proportion to her power and influence is the capability of family mischief…
In other words the influence of the woman is very great as it concerns the spirit of the home. It’s no wonder then that Bridges went on to say, “What responsibility then belongs to the marriage choice, linked with the highest interests of unborn generations!”
Wives, pursue wisdom and drink deeply from the fountain of grace. Husbands, nurture your wives. Future wives, don’t wait for marriage to get wisdom. Pursue it now. Future husbands, look for a woman that is pursuing God and His wisdom.
