What does Proverbs 19:14 mean?

Scripture often notes the tremendous value of a godly spouse (Proverbs 12:4; 18:22). Just as wisdom and godliness are far more valuable than gold (Proverbs 16:16), finding a God-honoring partner is better than a massive inheritance. Earthly parents may be able to offer enormous wealth to their children. But when someone is blessed with a believing, discerning spouse, that is truly a gift from God.

While the principle here applies to husbands and wives, in Solomon's era, men especially valued marrying a "prudent" wife. This description comes from the Hebrew term sakal, which is used in the book of Proverbs in connection to godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:3; 10:5; 15:24). Proverbs chapter 31 famously includes a long list of practical benefits that a wise woman brings to her home. When marriage works as God intended (Genesis 2:24; 1 Peter 3:6–7), a prudent wife blesses her husband by helping him become more Christlike in thoughts and actions.

Abigail, who became David's wife, was wise and a blessing to David. First Samuel 25:3 pictures her as both discerning and beautiful. She blessed David with sound advice and provisions. Her wisdom kept David from an ugly situation, and David recognized it. He said to Abigail, "Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me! Blessed be your discretion, and blessed be you, who have kept me this day from bloodguilt and from working salvation with my own hand" (1 Samuel 25:32–33). Truly, the Lord's gift of a prudent spouse makes a marriage mutually beneficial and happy.