Proverbs 19:14 House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD. 

Biblical examples: Abigail (1Sam. 25): A prime example of a prudent wife. Though married to the harsh and foolish Nabal, she acted wisely and respectfully, preventing David from sinning in wrath. Priscilla (Acts 18:2, 24-26): Alongside her husband Aquila, she demonstrated wisdom in ministry and teaching. Contrast with Michal (2Sam. 6:16, 20-23): Michal’s contentious spirit towards David brought conflict and barrenness in her home.

Material blessings are good, but spiritual blessings are greater. Houses and wealth can provide comfort, but a wise, peace-loving spouse is a source of lasting joy and stability. A prudent wife is cultivated through God’s grace. Pray for God’s guidance in marriage, whether seeking a spouse or nurturing an existing marriage.

Husbands: Recognise and thank God for a wise and gracious spouse. Wives: Cultivate prudence and grace through God’s Word and Spirit. Parents: Provide not only material inheritance but also teach children to seek godliness in their future spouses (Deut. 6:5-7).

Material inheritances can bless life externally, but a prudent and godly spouse enriches life at its core. The former comes from human effort; the latter is a gift only God can give.

Proverbs 19:14 House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD. 

This verse highlights two of life’s great blessings, demonstrating that one can be attained through human effort while the other is a divine gift.

The inheritance of riches is a gift from earthly fathers; material possessions, houses, land, and wealth are often passed down from one generation to the next. Such inheritances can provide stability and opportunity in life, but they are ultimately temporal. They originate from human sources and can be lost (13:22; Eccl. 5:10). While financial blessings are beneficial, they do not guarantee genuine happiness or a harmonious home life.

A prudent wife is a gift from the LORD. In contrast to material inheritance, a wise, godly, discerning wife is not something that can be inherited or bought; she is a blessing given by God’s providence. Prudent means: “wise,” “discerning,” or “sensible.” A prudent wife knows how to act wisely in various situations, managing her household with grace and understanding. This is the opposite of the contentious wife in Proverbs 19:13. She may have many potential reasons for complaint, but chooses patience, peace, and wisdom instead.

“Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD” (18:22). Proverbs 31:10-12, 26-28 describes the virtuous woman whose wisdom blesses her family and Ecclesiastes 9:9 commends enjoying life with the wife whom God has given.

To be continued…