BDBD is Proverb 14:1

“The wise woman builds her house…” begins this simple yet direct proverb. “Wise woman” found in every English translation comes from the original Hebrew words “hokmot ishsha” (a transliteration). Ishsha is the first name Adam gave the woman the Lord created from his rib to be his wife (Genesis 2:22-24). “Builds her house” found in every English translation comes from the original Hebrew words “bana bayit” (a transliteration). They imply children and family is the house she builds. The proverb is not referring to an enterprise or business.

The wise woman is compared to a foolish one; “iwwelet” in Hebrew (a transliteration). The foolish woman tears down her family.

The woman of the household has the power, authority, and ability to rule her children. She will not always be about or able to control them. Yet, she always is in charge. Her husband should be sure to let their children know that their mother is the authority that they are to submit to and learn from.

The Bible’s examples of wise women include Hannah, Samuel’s mother (1 Samuel 1:7, 2:7), Ruth, King David’s grandmother (Ruth 3:11), and Mary the virgin mother of Jesus (Luke 1:30, 38). These childless women shared faith in their Lord in most extraordinary ways before they became mothers and grandmothers of influential and prominent leaders.