I have had the opportunity to tear down a few buildings in my lifetime and do some home renovations. I remember as a boy, assisting my dad with tearing down a couple of old weathered, clapboard-sided farmhouses whose wood Dad recycled to build barns on our property in the country.  Unlike a contractor who follows meticulously drawn blueprints when building a house, my dad’s de-construction required little more than hammers, ladders and blunt physical force!

Solomon, using the analogy of building a house, emphasizes the necessity of exercising wisdom and understanding when building a life and family.

Proverbs 24:3 – “Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:”

If you will allow me a frank observation: Any fool can father a child and start a family; however, a wise man knows that to build a family requires commitment, wisdom, discernment and understanding.  Sadly, our society faces the challenge of having few who have any concept of the personal discipline and sacrifice required to make a house a home!  The majority lacks the wisdom and discernment only God can give (James 1:5).

For the sake of application, let’s take the house in verse 3 as an allegory of one’s personal life and family. The question that should follow is, “How would wisdom and understanding have us to furnish this house?”  Proverbs 24:4 answers that question.

Proverbs 24:4 – “And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.”

I confess I lack my wife’s vision and motivation when it comes to decorating. Four walls, a roof that does not leak and a floor that is clean are plenty! Add a comfortable chair and I am content.  Sheilah, however, has an eye for style, furnishings and placement. She is able to take a chamber, add a few furnishings, and make our house a comfortable, attractive home!

The house and chambers Solomon is portraying represent a life or family built by godly wisdom.  Spiritual understanding is the foundation of the home and the knowledge of God and His Word are the furnishings. Where can you attain such furnishings for your life and family? Answer—The Word of God!

2 Timothy 2:15 – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

The disciplined study and application of the golden nuggets of wisdom from Proverbs is a great beginning!  Remember—A fool can start a family, but a wise man meticulously follows God’s blueprint for a building a home.  

Psalm 119:9-11 – “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. ¹⁰  With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. ¹¹  Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”