by Dennis and Barbara Rainey

Proverbs 24:3,4
By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; and by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

The wise man Solomon describes three fundamentals not only for building a house, but also a home.

By wisdom a house is built. I define wisdom as "skill in everyday living." Solomon also said, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Prov. 9:10). When homes are built on godly wisdom, family members respond to circumstance according to God's design, not their own.

A wise home builder recognizes God as the Architect and Builder of the family. As you search the Scriptures and ask God for wisdom, He supplies the skill to build your home.

Through understanding it is established. Understanding means responding to life's circumstances with insight-having a perspective that looks at life through God's eyes. When you have God's perspective of your mate and children, you accept each other's differences and learn how different personalities can complement each other.

A couple once shared with me how they finally understood this. At one time the husband had said, "My wife is a prosecuting attorney. I felt like she prosecuted from eight to five and persecuted from five to eight." After a year and a half of trying to change her, he finally understood that he didn't have to compete with her strong personality. "I can let her be who she is, and not feel insecure about who I am," he said.

Through knowledge its rooms are filled. Our culture virtually worships information. But information without application is an empty deity. Every Sunday morning thousands of preachers present polished gems-outstanding biblical knowledge. But what do we, the parishioners, usually do? At 11:55 A.M. the preacher finishes, we sing a song, there's a prayer and we leave at 12:00 P.M. The knowledge Solomon speaks of is more than information. It is knowledge that results in conviction, application and family values.

Prayer:

That God will deepen your wisdom, sharpen your understanding and enrich your knowledge of what He wants you, your marriage and your family to be.

Discuss: Which of these three building blocks are most evident in your home? Which need the most work?

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