Building Up Instead of Tearing Down

“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down” (Proverbs 14:1).

How does one build a house? How does one tear it down? I think words build a strong house. Words can also tear a house down.

A wise woman builds a family carefully. She makes a strong and firm foundation by caring for the relationships within the family. She builds up her husband and her children with words of encouragement and positive comments. She uses kind words to assure her family members of their worth and of her love for them.

With words, a wise woman teaches her children who they are and what their family represents. She tells her children stories of their history. She gives her children dreams for their future. She praises their attempts to work, and affirms them when they are industrious.

On the other hand, some women tear down their own houses. They nag and criticize their families often. They loudly blame family members for mistakes, and then they are hurt when their husbands and children no longer respond to them with love. Their houses, which took so long to build, fall apart because of unkind words.

Nagging and criticizing never brings the desired result. Guarding our lips is a good way of building our houses.

When faults must be discussed, try to choose an appropriate time and keep your voice calm. Speak about what is wrong with the action, rather than what is wrong with the person.

Encouragement always builds a strong house.

Kimberly Snider is a missionary to the Philippines.

From “Moments for Moms,” a free email subscription.
Copyright (c) 2004 Women’s Ministries of the Assemblies of God.
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Maxim of the Moment

The bankrupt man is the man who has lost his enthusiasm. - H.W. Arnold