Paragraph 24:3–4 Saying 20
This saying teaches that a person needs to have wisdom, understanding, and knowledge to build and furnish a house. The saying refers mainly to a literal house and the nice things that are put in its rooms. But it also implies a stable and prosperous household.
24:3–4
In Hebrew, these verses have four poetic lines. But they form three parallel clauses (verse 4a–b is a single clause). Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:
3a
By wisdom a house is built
3b and by understanding it is established;
4a
through knowledge its rooms are filled
4b
with every precious and beautiful treasure.
The parallel lines describe the overall process of building a sturdy house (3a–b) and furnishing it with nice things (4a–b). A person accomplishes each part of the process by means of wisdom, understanding, and knowledge.
24:3a
wisdom: In Hebrew, this word refers here to a person’s ability to make good decisions and to earn a good livelihood. It also refers to the skill that he needs to build a house.
a house is built: In this context, this clause implies that the house is spacious and well built.
Another way to translate 24:3a is:
By means of wisdom, a person can build a ⌊fine⌋ house/home.
24:3b
understanding: In Hebrew, this word refers to a person’s good sense or competence.
it is established: This clause emphasizes that the house will be stable, solid, and strong. It may refer specifically to the way that it is set firmly in place on its foundation.
Some other ways to translate 24:3a are:
by understanding it is made strong (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
By means of good sense, he sets/builds it securely ⌊on its foundation⌋
In areas where houses are built on posts, you may decide to use a term such as “house posts” instead of “foundation.”
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