By Pastor Murray
“Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers, But a prudent wife is from the LORD.” (Proverbs 19:14, NKJV)
We are all keen to receive an inheritance. As we know, this is received from our parents or, as Solomon puts it here, from fathers.
Our inheritance may be in a number of forms; it could be in the form of worldly possessions such as houses and riches received either before or after they passed away. Our inheritance may be in the form of brothers and sisters – they are a gift from our parents. My parents gave me two sisters, one of whom is still alive. Lee is a special friend.
We also have memories from our childhood, some we would prefer to remember more than others! This includes family outings and holidays, often reinforced by photographs and videos.
Another aspect of our inheritance is special times we had individually with our father or our mother. My mother passed away last year. I had a good relationship with her, and spent good times right to the end. Today would have been her 98th birthday.
One of the key aspects of our inheritance is the teaching and training that we receive from our parents, and this often goes on until well into adulthood. One of the key aspects of my inheritance was the fact that my parents brought me up to fear the Lord. For that I shall always be grateful.
Solomon makes the point here that houses and riches are from our parents.
However, a prudent wife is different. She does not come from any earthly father, she is from the Lord.
A wife of wisdom, self-control, and appropriate living is a greater gift than houses and riches. A wife who is not prudent may waste whatever wealth a man has. Every man with a prudent, wise wife should give thanks to the LORD.
A woman is made by nature, a wife is chosen. When a young man seeks a wife, it is easy to consider external features, but remember the word of the Lord to Samuel when he was seeking a king to replace Saul:
“But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”” (1 Samuel 16:7, NKJV)
When a young man seeks a wife, he needs to seek the Lord; a prudent wife is from the Lord
What is prudence? The same word is used in Joshua 1:8 to describe one who “acts with insight”. Thus we learn the recipe for prudence:
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” (Joshua 1:8, NKJV)
Those who meditate on the Book of the Law day and night, being careful to do everything in it, will be prosperous and enjoy good success – “act with insight”
When one has a prudent wife, the key is to recognise the gift and not to praise oneself. Give glory to the source of the gift – the Lord Himself.
May God’s richest blessings be with you, with those in your bubble and with those you would like to have in your bubble.