Introduction: Wisdom that Strengthens the Home
The wise woman is a cornerstone in building a blessed home. Her wisdom, which comes from God, enables her to act at the right moment, fostering peace, faith, and harmony within her family.
The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands. (Proverbs 14:1, ESV)
To build means to raise a structure based on a pre-established plan, using the necessary materials. In the context of family, the wise woman uses her faith in God to strengthen her marriage, nurture respect, friendship, and companionship, and work toward the spiritual and material growth of her family.
The Wise Woman versus the Foolish Woman
The Wise Woman: Builder of the Home
The wise woman is committed to the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of her household. She seeks divine wisdom to make decisions that unite and protect her family.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. (James 1:5-6, ESV)
This wisdom equips the wise woman to manage her home, nurture her marriage, and guide her children, navigating times of abundance and scarcity with balance and trust in God.
The Foolish Woman: Destroyer of the Home
In contrast, the foolish woman lacks wisdom and harms her family. Her actions, marked by impatience and disobedience to God’s will, undermine the achievements of her household, leading to division and conflict.
The difference between these two women lies in their responses to life’s circumstances. The wise woman builds with intention and care, while the foolish woman destroys through negligence or impulsiveness.
The Role of Women in God’s Plan
The Divine Gift of Womanhood
God has entrusted women with the gift of bearing life and caring for the home, being a loving wife and a devoted mother. In the Garden of Eden, when God created woman from Adam’s rib, He appointed her as a helper, a companion to support man in his daily life.
Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. (Titus 2:3-5, ESV)
The wise woman is a pillar of the home, teaching, caring, and guiding her family in holiness and reverence for the Lord. She supports her husband in raising children with a godly character.
The Need for Wisdom in All Circumstances
Family life brings moments of joy and challenges. Divine wisdom is essential for making decisions that keep the family united, especially in times of crisis. These decisions, guided by faith and prudence, strengthen family bonds and ensure God’s protection.
He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20, ESV)
Jesus teaches that even a small faith, like a mustard seed, can grow and bear abundant fruit. In the home, this faith begins with small acts of love, respect, and prayer, resulting in a family blessed with God’s peace.
Examples of Wise Women in the Bible
Deborah: Leader and Prophetess
Deborah was a judge and prophetess who led Israel with wisdom and courage, guiding the people to victory against Sisera.
Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time. She used to sit under the palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the people of Israel came up to her for judgment. She sent and summoned Barak the son of Abinoam from Kedesh-naphtali and said to him, “Has not the Lord, the God of Israel, commanded you, ‘Go, gather your men at Mount Tabor, taking 10,000 from the people of Naphtali and the people of Zebulun. And I will draw out Sisera, the general of Jabin’s army, to meet you by the river Kishon with his chariots and his troops, and I will give him into your hand’?” Barak said to her, “If you will go with me, I will go, but if you will not go with me, I will not go.” And she said, “I will surely go with you. Nevertheless, the honor of the campaign will not be yours, for the Lord will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman.” Then Deborah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh. (Judges 4:4-9, ESV)
Deborah exemplifies the wise woman who cares for her family and community, observing, advising, and acting with divine authority.
Martha and Mary: Choosing the Better Part
Martha and Mary teach the importance of prioritizing God’s presence. While Martha was busy with household tasks, Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet to hear His teachings.
Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42, ESV)
Mary reminds us that the wise woman seeks God above all, trusting that He sustains her home and family.
Conclusion: Be a Wise Woman
The wise woman acknowledges that God is the foundation of her home. With faith, wisdom, and love, she builds her family, facing challenges with courage and trust. May we be wise women, strong in faith, faithful helpers, and committed to God’s purpose for our lives.
