14:1

Notice the parallel parts that contrast in meaning:

1a
Every wise woman builds her house,

1b but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands.

14:1a–b

builds her house, but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands: Compare 9:1, where the action of building a house is described in literal terms. Here in 14:1, the two women probably do not build or tear down a literal house. Instead, they strengthen or destroy the well-being of their families.

The wise woman in 14:1a strengthens or adds to the well-being, harmony, or stability of her household/family. By contrast, the foolish woman in 14:1b destroys the well-being of her family by her own efforts or her own foolishness. Here is one way to express the figurative meaning of this verse:

1a A wise woman strengthens her family,

1b but a foolish woman destroys hers by what she does. (New Century Version)

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