Day 26 - "The wise woman builds her house"
Today's Reading is Proverbs 14:1-14 (NIV)
The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down. Whoever fears the Lord walks uprightly, but those who despise him are devious in their ways. A fool's mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them. Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests. An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies. The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning. Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips. The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception. Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright. Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy. The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish. There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. Even in laughter the heart may ache, and rejoicing may end in grief. The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, and the good rewarded for theirs.
Questions to Consider about the Reading
- What does it mean to "build your house" versus "tear it down," and how do you see this happening in daily life?
- How do wisdom and foolishness show up differently in the way people speak and act?
- Which of these proverbs challenges you most about how you handle conflict or difficult situations?
- What does verse 12 teach us about trusting our own judgment versus seeking God's wisdom?
What's One Thing God Wants You to Underline?
Ending Prayer
God, help me to build rather than tear down in my relationships and responsibilities. Give me wisdom to know the difference between what seems right and what actually is right. When my heart feels heavy or when I'm tempted to mock others, remind me that true wisdom comes from fearing You. Show me how to be honest in my words and thoughtful in my actions today. Amen.