Proverbs 14:1 Meaning and Explanation
“Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A wise woman builds her home; a foolish one destroys it.
The Context of Proverbs 14:1
Proverbs opens chapter 14 by contrasting wise and foolish women in household management.
What Does Proverbs 14:1 Mean?
Wisdom expresses itself in the care and construction of a household. A woman of understanding lays foundations—practical, relational, spiritual—that create stability and flourishing for those within her home. This reflects the principle that wisdom shapes our environment and those we influence.
The fool, by contrast, tears down through her own choices and actions. The image of her own hands demolishing what should stand highlights how foolishness is often self-inflicted. Character determines legacy; what we build or destroy begins within ourselves.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 14:1
What does Proverbs 14:1 mean?
A wise woman builds her home; a foolish one destroys it.
What is the context of Proverbs 14:1?
Proverbs opens chapter 14 by contrasting wise and foolish women in household management.