On Being a Wise Woman...

 "A wise woman builds her home,

    but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands."  

                                           Proverbs 14:1, NLT

I'm pondering what it means for a woman to be wise as opposed to foolish.  In the modern world we live in, how can I be wise?  How can I fulfill God's plan for me as a woman, in my marriage, in my workplace, in my home, in my family relationships, friendships, when doing commerce, and so many other areas?

First of all, I become wise only as I learn and know what Jesus Christ, my  Savior has put forth in His Word for how a woman should become and behave.  

In this little piece, I want to explore how a woman can be wise in the area of her home.  How can I build up my home and not tear it down?

I believe that a woman is subject to her husband, as he is the head of the home.  This doesn't mean that he is to lord over or abuse his wife, but lovingly lead.  This won't be too difficult for a wise woman to follow.  Assuming he is striving to be that kind of husband, how can I build?

Tend to the home---I mean clean it, organize it, decorate it, keep the laundry caught up, cook food in it; in short, make it a place where your husband can be at home, relax, and find peace with you.  I'm learning and have along ways to go that balance is needed.  Perfection is not my friend, but neither is letting the home become a place that is dirty and uninviting either.  I'm concerned by a modern view that messy, dirty homes are okay.  No, they are not.  Somewhere in the middle is best.  

Create an atmosphere in the home that is welcoming.  Create an atmosphere in the home that is comfortable.  Create an atmosphere of love and acceptance.  

Center all of your life in the home.  

At this time, it is needed, by my husbands request, that I continue to work some.  I am gone from home each week around 35 -38 hours to my job.  Honestly, it's more than I want to be gone, but I am trying my best to make it all work.  But, most of my free time, is spent at home, cooking, cleaning, doing the laundry, organizing, helping in the garden, working in the yard, etc.  By centering my life around the home, I am denying many other things in my life.  Yes, there is a balance.  I do take some time to be with my women friends and have a lunch or coffee now and then.  I believe this is part of life balance.  Through these relationships, I can grow and also be an encouragement to them.   

How do you build up your home?  What are ways we can foolishly tear it down?