by David Chadwick

"House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord." Proverbs 19:14

Today's proverb makes it very clear that prudence is a characteristic of a godly wife. The word "prudent" means "to act with or show care, wisdom, and thought for the future, particularly in managing practical affairs or avoiding risks."

The verse starts off acknowledging that a home and financial wealth can come through family inheritance. While fathers, especially, most often work incredibly hard to create a generational blessing and legacy for their children and grandchildren, it is the Lord who gives a prudent wife.

A prudent wife is a gift from the Lord. She is wise, careful, self-restrained, and diligent. A woman like this is a "grace gift" from God. Whereas fathers may leave house and wealth, this verse implies the Lord gives a man a prudent wife to know how to increase the family's assets because of her prudence.

While not fearful or anxious, a prudent wife calculates decision-making with purpose and precision. She brings wisdom to home management, investments, and financial oversight. She offers good perspectives on decision-making. She is able to process alongside her husband in regard to how to make the best decisions for their family and their future.

In our home, my Marilynn has overseen a lot of family management, which has been a special blessing to me. Her wise and prudent oversight has not only brought about family and financial favor, but her prudence in this area has freed me to do the ministry God has called me to do. Without her, I'd be nothing.

For you men, while a home and wealth are wonderful gifts to leave to your children and your children's children, the best gift you can leave to the world is a prudent wife, someone who pours into and blesses your home in intangible ways.