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Proverbs 24:3

Proverbs 24:3 in Multiple Translations

By wisdom a house is built and by understanding it is established;

Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:

Through wisdom is a house builded; And by understanding it is established;

The building of a house is by wisdom, and by reason it is made strong:

A house is built by wisdom; its foundation is made secure through understanding.

Through wisdome is an house builded, and with vnderstanding it is established.

By wisdom is a house builded, And by understanding it establisheth itself.

Through wisdom a house is built; by understanding it is established;

Through wisdom is a house built; and by understanding it is established:

By wisdom the house shall be built, and by prudence it shall be strengthened.

People make good houses (OR, families) by doing what is wise, and they make their houses (OR, families) strong by heeding good advice.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 24:3

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Proverbs 24:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB בְּ֭/חָכְמָה יִבָּ֣נֶה בָּ֑יִת וּ֝/בִ/תְבוּנָ֗ה יִתְכּוֹנָֽן
בְּ֭/חָכְמָה chokmâh H2451 wisdom Prep | N-fs
יִבָּ֣נֶה bânâh H1129 to build V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
בָּ֑יִת bayith H1004 place N-ms
וּ֝/בִ/תְבוּנָ֗ה tâbûwn H8394 understanding Conj | Prep | N-fs
יִתְכּוֹנָֽן kûwn H3559 to establish V-r-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 24:3

בְּ֭/חָכְמָה chokmâh H2451 "wisdom" Prep | N-fs
Wisdom refers to skill, prudence, or good judgment in areas like war, administration, or religion, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) wisdom 1a) skill (in war) 1b) wisdom (in administration) 1c) shrewdness, wisdom 1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs) 1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. See also: Exodus 28:3; Proverbs 5:1; Psalms 37:30.
יִבָּ֣נֶה bânâh H1129 "to build" V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
בָּ֑יִת bayith H1004 "place" N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
וּ֝/בִ/תְבוּנָ֗ה tâbûwn H8394 "understanding" Conj | Prep | N-fs
Tabún means understanding or intelligence, implying skill or insight. It is translated as discretion, reason, or wisdom in the KJV Bible, referring to the act or faculty of understanding.
Definition: 1) understanding, intelligence 1a) the act of understanding 1a1) skill 1b) the faculty of understanding 1b1) intelligence, understanding, insight 1c) the object of knowledge 1d) teacher (personification)
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: discretion, reason, skilfulness, understanding, wisdom. See also: Exodus 31:3; Proverbs 8:1; Psalms 49:4.
יִתְכּוֹנָֽן kûwn H3559 "to establish" V-r-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to set something up or establish it, like setting up a tent or appointing someone to a position, as seen in Isaiah 7:14.
Definition: : prepare/direct 1) to be firm, be stable, be established 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be set up, be established, be fixed 1a1a) to be firmly established 1a1b) to be established, be stable, be secure, be enduring 1a1c) to be fixed, be securely determined 1a2) to be directed aright, be fixed aright, be steadfast (moral sense) 1a3) to prepare, be ready 1a4) to be prepared, be arranged, be settled 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to establish, set up, accomplish, do, make firm 1b2) to fix, make ready, prepare, provide, provide for, furnish 1b3) to direct toward (moral sense) 1b4) to arrange, order 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be established, be fastened 1c2) to be prepared, be ready 1d) (Polel) 1d1) to set up, establish 1d2) to constitute, make 1d3) to fix 1d4) to direct 1e) (Pulal) to be established, be prepared 1f) (Hithpolel) to be established, be restored
Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable, (e-) stablish, stand, tarry, [idiom] very deed. See also: Genesis 41:32; Job 18:12; Psalms 5:10.

Study Notes — Proverbs 24:3

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Proverbs 14:1 Every wise woman builds her house, but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands.
2 1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.
3 Proverbs 9:1 Wisdom has built her house; she has carved out her seven pillars.
4 Colossians 2:7 rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
5 Jeremiah 10:12 The LORD made the earth by His power; He established the world by His wisdom and stretched out the heavens by His understanding.
6 2 Samuel 7:26 so that Your name will be magnified forever when it is said, ‘The LORD of Hosts is God over Israel.’ And the house of Your servant David will be established before You.

Proverbs 24:3 Summary

This verse means that when we make wise choices and decisions, we are building a strong foundation for our lives, just like building a house. It's like Jesus said in Matthew 7:24-27, when we build on the rock of His teachings, we can weather any storm. By seeking wisdom and understanding from God, we can make good choices and build a life that is stable and secure, and as Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, when we trust in the Lord with all our heart, He will direct our paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to build a house by wisdom?

According to Proverbs 24:3, building a house by wisdom means making wise decisions and choices that form the foundation of a strong and stable home, much like the wisdom that guided Solomon in 1 Kings 3:9-12 when he asked for wisdom to lead God's people.

How does understanding establish a house?

Understanding in Proverbs 24:3 refers to the ability to discern and apply wisdom in practical ways, which helps to establish a strong and stable home, as seen in the example of the wise woman in Proverbs 31:1-31 who managed her household with wisdom and understanding.

Is this verse only talking about physical houses?

While Proverbs 24:3 can certainly apply to building a physical house, it's also a metaphor for building a life, a family, or a community on the foundation of wisdom and understanding, as Jesus taught in Matthew 7:24-27 about building on the rock of His teachings.

How can I apply this verse to my own life?

You can apply Proverbs 24:3 to your life by seeking wisdom and understanding from God's Word, such as in Psalms 119:66 and James 1:5, and then making decisions that align with that wisdom, whether it's in your relationships, career, or personal growth.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can build my life on the foundation of wisdom, and what are the potential consequences of not doing so?
  2. How can I cultivate understanding and discernment in my decision-making, and what role does prayer play in this process?
  3. In what ways can I apply the principle of building with wisdom to my relationships, such as my marriage, friendships, or family relationships?
  4. What are some common pitfalls or temptations that can lead me away from building with wisdom, and how can I guard against them?

Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 24:3

Through wisdom is a house builded,.... A family is built up, furnished and supplied with the necessaries and conveniences of life, and brought into flourishing and prosperous circumstances, by wise

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 24:3

Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: Through wisdom is an house builded.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 24:3

There is no need that thou shouldst raise thyself and family by ruining others, as the manner of wicked men is, which thou mayst more easily and effectually do by wisdom, and the fear of God.

Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 24:3

Proverbs 24:3 Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:Ver. 3. Through wisdom is an house builded.] q.d., I will show thee a better project; wouldst thou thrive and grow great? Exercise godliness, wish not wickedness.

Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 24:3

XXIV (3) Through wisdom is an house builded.—See above on Proverbs 14:1.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 24:3

Verse 3. Through wisdom is a house blinded] That is, a family; household affairs. See Clarke on Proverbs 9:1, &c.

Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 24:3

3. a house] literal or metaphorical, comp. Proverbs 14:1.

Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 24:3

The “house” is figurative of the whole life, the “chambers” of all regions, inward and outward, of it.

Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 24:3

3. A house — A family, an estate, is built up by wisdom and established by understanding, rather than by the fraudulent acts of designing men.

Sermons on Proverbs 24:3

SermonDescription
Zac Poonen (A Marriage Blessed by God) 1. Build Your Home With Wisdom by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the importance of building godly marriages and homes by focusing on the fear of the Lord, wisdom, and self-control. It highlights the need to prioritize reve
Jim Cymbala Wisdom to Live By by Jim Cymbala In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of confronting problems in life. He uses the analogy of stars being bigger than the earth to highlight the significance of th
T. Austin-Sparks Wabanna 1966: Title Unknown 6 by T. Austin-Sparks In this sermon, the preacher recounts a personal experience where a stranger attended his church service. The preacher was captivated by the stranger's demeanor, sensing that he ha
Zac Poonen Godly Marriages - 2.following Godly Principles in Marriage by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation in marriage, likening it to constructing a house without cracks. It delves into the significance of having a s
Zac Poonen 1) Wisdom Is More Than Knowledge (Kannada) by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the importance of wisdom over knowledge in building our personal lives, homes, and churches. It highlights the need to not just accumulate knowledge but to a
Steve Gallagher Eternal House of Wisdom by Steve Gallagher This sermon emphasizes the importance of building an eternal house of wisdom by submitting to God's authority, word, dealings in life, and living out wisdom. It contrasts the rewar
Zac Poonen (A Spiritual Leader) 3. Fearing God by Zac Poonen Zac Poonen emphasizes that a true spiritual leader must have a profound fear of God, which is essential for imparting wisdom to others. He argues that knowledge alone is insufficie

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