“Wisdom builds her house but Folly tears hers down with her own hands” (Proverbs 14:1).
Earlier this week, we discussed the two types of womanhood displayed in the Bible. There is the woman of folly, represented by Eve, who tears her home apart. And there is the woman of wisdom, Mary, who builds hers up. These two women so perfectly showcased what type of womanhood we face now in society: toxic feminism and genuine femininity. You can find that article here:https://agapecatholicministries.info/society/woman-of-folly/
Women have incredible power over men. Yes, the man is the head of his house. But the woman is very much at his neck, able to influence his decisions and desires, along with his concept of manhood. Adam was the father of humanity, the commander of the earth and the animals. Yet, one word from his wife caused him to abandon his responsibility and authority, and pay the eternal price.
“He who digs a pit falls into it; and a stone comes back upon him who rolls it” (Proverbs 26:27).
This Proverb eloquently explains that man reaps what he sows. There is not a decision a man can make more important than the woman he allows into his life. Men and women are made to be perfect companions, and the devil strives to corrupt perfection. Love brings forth unity, goodness, holiness, and children. Lust results in disfunction, brokenness, sinfulness, and distortion.
Men are inherently made to be responsible. The Sin of Adam distorts that responsibility into a common disposition of laziness men are called to struggle with. Women have the power to call men back to that higher purpose, or to beat men down into a deeper depth of brokenness. Had Eve called out to Adam for help, he would have rescued her. Instead, she offered him the temptation of sin, and he readily responded.
A man’s wisdom or folly, his ability to build or destroy his house, lies within his wife. In the Bible, the words husband and wife do not always refer to a spouse. They are applied to whom we give our bodies to. Out of wedlock pregnancy rates are climbing, yet so is the percentage of fatherless homes. Women are allowing men to know them as wives without the commitment and security of marriage. Men are becoming fathers without willing to be dads. The pits we dig are swallowing us, and the stones we push are crushing us.
Husbands and wives are created as perfect companions for holiness. But we are also perfect follies if we do not strive for God.