Proverbs 19:14 - Printer Friendly

ESV: House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.

NIV: Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.

NASB: House and wealth are an inheritance from fathers, But a prudent wife is from the Lord.

CSB: A house and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.

NLT: Fathers can give their sons an inheritance of houses and wealth, but only the Lord can give an understanding wife.

KJV: House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the Lord.

NKJV: Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers, But a prudent wife is from the Lord.

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.

Proverbs 19:8–21 continues Solomon's observations about wisdom and foolishness, a king's wrath, household turmoil, and human plans as compared to divine sovereignty. A theme of these proverbs is the danger of ignoring godly wisdom, while placing too much reliance on one's own ability. A wise person is prudent, diligent, and honest. At the same time, wisdom means realizing that not all plans work out.

Several themes are associated with these statements. Among them are the idea that personal integrity is worth much more than earthly wealth or success. Solomon discusses the unfortunate habit of favoring the rich and dismissing the poor, while commending those who care for the unfortunate. Many references are made to the consequences of foolish behavior, including the shame and punishment such things can bring.

This series of proverbs is part of Solomon's writing on wisdom (Proverbs 10:1), a long chain continuing into chapter 22. As do other segments, this speaks on the harsh realities of poverty, the need for integrity, the dangers of laziness, the value of loving discipline, and the consequences of acting foolishly.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.