Scripture for Today:  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.”

Could this cottage be any more perfect!  I love the weathered stone, the thatched roof and the greenery climbing all over it!  England claims the largest number of thatched roofs in Europe, but there are quite a few in France as well, called “toit de chaume.”  They are most often made of straw.  These roofs only need refurbishing every forty to fifty years.

It looks peaceful and quiet in this home, but I wonder.  It may not be as idyllic as it seems.  Our verse for today speaks of another building material; that of wisdom and understanding.  Without these components a house can very well be marked by conflict and strife.

Wisdom and understanding are not found at the local Home Depot.  There is only one true source.  Psalm 111:10 says the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and those who do His commandments have understanding.  A house built on these principles is a home where peace can endure.

I do not know of a single Christian home where there is no conflict.  Put two family members in the same room and there will be two very divergent points of view.  Keeping the peace and reacting with wisdom and understanding is an impossible challenge without the Lord’s help.

The Lord desires for the home to be a safe place where one can express oneself without fear of being rejected.  His love is unconditional and my desire is to show that same quality of love.  It is never easy, but it is wise.

Lord, may my home be pleasant, built with Your wisdom and understanding.