◄ Proverbs 24:3 ►
By wisdom a house is built and by understanding it is established;
Study Bible
By wisdom
The Hebrew word for "wisdom" is "חָכְמָה" (chokmah), which encompasses not only knowledge but also the skillful application of that knowledge in practical life. In the ancient Near Eastern context, wisdom was highly valued as a divine gift that enabled individuals to live in harmony with God's order. Wisdom in this verse implies a deep, God-given insight that guides the construction of one's life and household. It is not merely intellectual but moral and spiritual, aligning with the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10).

a house
The term "house" (בַּיִת, bayit) in Hebrew can refer to a physical dwelling, a family, or a dynasty. In the context of Proverbs, it often symbolizes one's life or household, including family and legacy. The imagery of building a house suggests a process that requires planning, effort, and resources. Spiritually, it represents the establishment of a life or family that is secure, prosperous, and aligned with God's purposes. The house built by wisdom stands firm against life's challenges, much like the wise man's house built on the rock in Jesus' parable (Matthew 7:24-25).

is built
The verb "is built" (יִבָּנֶה, yibbaneh) indicates an ongoing process rather than a completed action. Building a house, in the biblical sense, involves continuous effort and dedication. It suggests that wisdom is not a one-time acquisition but a lifelong pursuit. The construction of a life or family requires constant application of wisdom, adapting to new challenges and circumstances while maintaining a foundation rooted in God's truth.

and by understanding
"Understanding" (תְּבוּנָה, tebunah) in Hebrew conveys discernment, insight, and the ability to see the underlying principles of a situation. It involves perceiving the deeper truths and making sound judgments. In the biblical context, understanding is closely linked to wisdom and is often seen as a gift from God that enables individuals to navigate complex situations. It is the ability to apply wisdom effectively, ensuring that the house is not only built but also maintained and strengthened over time.

it is established
The phrase "it is established" (יִכּוֹנָן, yikkonen) implies stability, security, and permanence. In the ancient world, an established house was one that could withstand external pressures and endure through generations. Spiritually, this speaks to a life or family that is firmly rooted in God's principles, able to withstand trials and tribulations. An established house reflects God's blessing and favor, as it is built on the solid foundation of wisdom and understanding. This echoes the biblical theme that true security and success come from aligning one's life with God's will and purposes.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom, which he received from God.

2. Israel
The nation to whom Solomon originally addressed his proverbs, providing guidance for living a life pleasing to God.

3. The House
Symbolically represents a family, life, or any endeavor that requires a strong foundation and structure.
Teaching Points
The Foundation of Wisdom
Wisdom is the essential foundation for any successful endeavor, whether it be a family, career, or ministry. It is not merely human intelligence but divine insight that guides decisions and actions.

Understanding as Stability
Understanding provides stability and strength. It involves discerning the right course of action and applying knowledge effectively to maintain and grow what has been built.

Seeking Divine Wisdom
Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom from God through prayer and study of His Word. This divine wisdom is crucial for building a life that honors God and withstands life's challenges.

Building a Godly Legacy
Just as a house is built and established, so should believers aim to build a legacy of faith and righteousness that impacts future generations.

Practical Application of Wisdom
Applying wisdom in daily life involves making choices that reflect God's principles, leading to a life that is both fruitful and pleasing to Him.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of "building a house" in Proverbs 24:3 apply to your personal life or family?

2. In what ways can you seek and apply God's wisdom in your daily decisions?

3. How does understanding contribute to the stability of your faith and relationships?

4. Reflect on a time when applying biblical wisdom led to a positive outcome in your life. What did you learn from that experience?

5. How can the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 7:24-27 enhance your understanding of Proverbs 24:3?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 9:1
This verse also speaks of wisdom building a house, emphasizing the importance of wisdom in creating a stable and enduring life.

Matthew 7:24-27
Jesus' parable of the wise and foolish builders highlights the necessity of building one's life on the solid foundation of His teachings.

James 1:5
Encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.
Sermons
The Spiritual EdificeR. H. Davies, B.A.Proverbs 24:3-4
The Wise Life-BuilderJ. Parker, D.D.Proverbs 24:3-4
Building with WisdomE. Johnson Proverbs 24:3-6
Wisdom Edifies and InvigoratesE. Johnson Proverbs 24:3-6
People
Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Builded, Building, Built, Established, Establisheth, Itself, Reason, Strong, Understanding, Wisdom
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Proverbs 24:3

     8367   wisdom, importance of

Proverbs 24:3-4

     5207   architecture
     5339   home
     5591   treasure

Library
The Sluggard's Garden
'I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; 31. And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.'--PROVERBS xxiv. 30, 31. This picture of the sluggard's garden seems to be intended as a parable. No doubt its direct simple meaning is full of homely wisdom in full accord with the whole tone of the Book of Proverbs; but we shall scarcely do justice to this saying of the wise …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Broken Fence
A sermon (No. 3381) published on Thursday, November 20th 1913. Delivered by C. H. Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. "I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; and to, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down, Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it and received instruction."--Proverbs 24:30-32. This slothful man did no hurt to his fellow-men: …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs

The Sluggard's Farm
A sermon (No. 2027) intended for reading on Lord's Day, June 3rd 1888, delivered by C. H. Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. "I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction."--Proverbs 24:30-32. No doubt Solomon was sometimes glad …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs

Epistle xxxvi. To Maximus, Bishop of Salona .
To Maximus, Bishop of Salona [113] . Gregory to Maximus, &c. When our common son the presbyter Veteranus came to the Roman city, he found me so weak from the pains of gout as to be quite unable to answer thy Fraternity's letters myself. And indeed with regard to the nation of the Sclaves [114] , from which you are in great danger, I am exceedingly afflicted and disturbed. I am afflicted as suffering already in your suffering: I am disturbed, because they have already begun to enter Italy by way …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

The Portrait of a Drunkyard
'Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? 30. They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. 31. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. 32. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. 33. Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. 34. Yea, thou shalt be as …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

2 Cor. Iii. 5
Not that we are sufficient of our selves, to think any thing as of our selves: but our Sufficiency is of God. IN my former Discourse upon these Words, I shewed you that it was the sole Design of St. Paul in them, to declare, that, in the setting about, and executing, the difficult and laborious Work of an Apostle, He did not arrogate to himself the Power, and Ability, and Success, which he had: but that he ascribed his Sufficiency for this great Work, as well as his being designed to it, to God himself, …
Benjamin Hoadly—Several Discourses Concerning the Terms of Acceptance with God

How to Make Use of Christ for Taking the Guilt of Our Daily Out-Breakings Away.
The next part of our sanctification is in reference to our daily failings and transgressions, committed partly through the violence of temptations, as we see in David and Peter, and other eminent men of God; partly through daily infirmities, because of our weakness and imperfections; for, "in many things we offend all," James iii. 2; and, "if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us," 1 John i. 8; "a righteous man falleth seven times," Prov. xxiv. 16; "there is not …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

The Justice of God
The next attribute is God's justice. All God's attributes are identical, and are the same with his essence. Though he has several attributes whereby he is made known to us, yet he has but one essence. A cedar tree may have several branches, yet it is but one cedar. So there are several attributes of God whereby we conceive of him, but only one entire essence. Well, then, concerning God's justice. Deut 32:4. Just and right is he.' Job 37:23. Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Necessity of Actual Grace
In treating of the necessity of actual grace we must avoid two extremes. The first is that mere nature is absolutely incapable of doing any thing good. This error was held by the early Protestants and the followers of Baius and Jansenius. The second is that nature is able to perform supernatural acts by its own power. This was taught by the Pelagians and Semipelagians. Between these two extremes Catholic theology keeps the golden mean. It defends the capacity of human nature against Protestants and …
Joseph Pohle—Grace, Actual and Habitual

Meditations on the Hindrances which Keep Back a Sinner from the Practice of Piety.
Those hindrances are chiefly seven:-- I. An ignorant mistaking of the true meaning of certain places of the holy Scriptures, and some other chief grounds of Christian religion. The Scriptures mistaken are these: 1. Ezek. xxxiii. 14, 16, "At what time soever a sinner repenteth him of his sin, I will blot out all," &c. Hence the carnal Christian gathers, that he may repent when he will. It is true, whensoever a sinner does repent, God will forgive; but the text saith not, that a sinner may repent whensoever …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and Ungodly Men.
Scriptures Showing The Sin And Danger Of Joining With Wicked And Ungodly Men. When the Lord is punishing such a people against whom he hath a controversy, and a notable controversy, every one that is found shall be thrust through: and every one joined with them shall fall, Isa. xiii. 15. They partake in their judgment, not only because in a common calamity all shares, (as in Ezek. xxi. 3.) but chiefly because joined with and partakers with these whom God is pursuing; even as the strangers that join …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

A Treatise on Good Works
I. We ought first to know that there are no good works except those which God has commanded, even as there is no sin except that which God has forbidden. Therefore whoever wishes to know and to do good works needs nothing else than to know God's commandments. Thus Christ says, Matthew xix, "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." And when the young man asks Him, Matthew xix, what he shall do that he may inherit eternal life, Christ sets before him naught else but the Ten Commandments. …
Dr. Martin Luther—A Treatise on Good Works

Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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