Monday, June 9, 2008

The wise woman

I WANT TO KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!!

I don't spend a great deal of time in Proverbs, but whenever I do—wow—do they pack a punch! Not the kind of thing you can just breeze through... you gotta stop and chew on it, and then chew on it some more. Since there are numerous references to listening to and accepting counsel & advice in the book of Proverbs, I would like to hear [read] YOUR thoughts about the following verse I read today...

It's Proverbs 14:1, which says, "A wise woman builds her house; a foolish woman tears hers down with her own hands."

MY first thought was about controlling the tongue. Just think how a woman could tear her house (her husband and children) down by cutting everyone to shreds with her sharp words. But by guarding her mouth (with God's help!) she can build up her husband and children by choosing positive and constructive comments, encouragement and praises, and with a kinder tone of voice.

What other thoughts to y'all have?? Please share!!!! :)

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

This verse has always stood out to me, though I've never been sure if I interpreted it right! In my single days, I applied it to the issue of being patient in my singleness -- that being impatient and trying to do God's job in planning my future could actually ruin things. I have no idea if this was an accurate application. :) I think it probably does have something to do with the tongue, though. Women, especially, seem to be prone to being pretty damaging with the tongue, which can destroy relationships and the like. Thanks for reminding me of this verse!

Anonymous said...

Hi Sara!
I think you're right on with your interpretation of the verse! And, now being a mom, I can see how this is so true. Before I might have just read it and thought, "Oh...." but now I've experienced how integral my God-given role is to the functioning and mood of the family! And I struggle with this almost daily!! If it weren't for God's grace, we'd surely be doomed!!

In addition to the tongue, I do think about how God is using us as moms to be an example to our kids. Essentially, using us to show our kids a glimpse of God. I share this as a brag on God story -- this morning I ended up being in the van, in the pounding rain. I came up to an intersection in EP and there was a man getting absolutely SOAKED! I could tell he was waiting for the bus, as he was standing at the bus stop. I could also tell he was unprepared, as I was, just 10 minutes beforehand as it was not raining when I left my house!

I honked my horn and motioned for the guy to come to the van. He did and I told him to get in! He said, "I'm soaking!!" and I said, "That's alright!!" He hopped in the van and was completely drenched. Wiping his wet face with his wet hands he just looked at me and said, "God Bless You." He was on his way to a job interview near the MOA, and it took 2 hours to get there due to him needing to switch buses at Southdale. I only wished I had some dry clothes in the van for the guy!

His name was Philip and he was from Africa. He politely said hi to the boys and we waited until the bus came. He hopped out and waved to us when he got on the bus. Through the rain I could sense God telling me 2 things: 1) What we do for strangers (and friends!) we do to God, and 2) this is what God wants my kids to experience. Before shifting into drive, we prayed for Philip.

I share this story to say that I think God also wants our actions to be a testament of building others up. A wise woman discerns God's leading and acts upon it, while a foolish woman ignores God's prompting and misses sharing God with her children.

The End! :)