Movatterモバイル変換

Proverbs 18:22
Whoso findeth a wife findeth a goodthing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

Deuteronomy 21:16
Then it shall be, when he maketh his sons to inheritthat which he hath,that he may not make the son of the beloved firstborn before the son of the hated,which is indeed the firstborn:

Joshua 11:23
So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war.

and a

Proverbs 3:6
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Proverbs 18:22
Whoso findeth a wife findeth a goodthing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

Proverbs 31:10
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her priceis far above rubies.

but a prudent wife is from the LORD
The term "prudent" refers to wisdom, understanding, and good judgment, qualities highly valued in biblical literature. Proverbs frequently extols the virtues of wisdom, often personified as a woman (Proverbs 8). A prudent wife is seen as a blessing and a gift from God, contrasting with the material inheritance from fathers. This aligns withProverbs 31, which describes the ideal wife as one who is virtuous, industrious, and wise. The notion that a prudent wife is from the LORD emphasizes divine providence and favor, suggesting that while material wealth can be acquired through human means, a wise and understanding spouse is a special blessing from God. This reflects the biblical theme that true wisdom and blessings come from a relationship with the LORD, as seen inJames 1:17, which states that every good and perfect gift is from above.

“Houses and wealth” picture the tangible blessings that make daily life stable and comfortable. Scripture consistently treats material resources as legitimate gifts when received gratefully and used righteously (Proverbs 10:22;1 Timothy 6:17-19). They:

• Provide shelter, safety, and the means to steward God’s world (Genesis 1:28).

• Allow generosity toward the needy (Proverbs 11:24-25).

• Free a family to focus on worship and service rather than mere survival (Deuteronomy 8:10).

Yet the verse immediately hints that these visible assets, while valuable, are not the highest form of blessing.

Earthly fathers pass down property just as the Law anticipated (Numbers 36:7-9). This line underscores:

• Family responsibility—diligent parents leave something useful to children (Proverbs 13:22).

• Temporal limitation—what is inherited can also be lost (Proverbs 23:4-5).

• Human agency—wise planning and work matter, but they remain confined to earthly parameters (Psalm 49:10-12).

The proverb subtly reminds us that even well-built estates stay within the horizontal realm of human effort.

The contrast turns from assets to relationship. “Prudent” combines discretion, insight, and steadfast devotion (seeProverbs 12:4; 31:10-12). A prudent wife:

• Strengthens her husband with trustworthy counsel (Proverbs 31:26).

• Manages the household with foresight (Proverbs 14:1).

• Models godly character that blesses generations (2 Timothy 1:5).

Such wisdom cannot be bought or manufactured; it surpasses the value of great riches (Proverbs 18:22).

Unlike houses and wealth, a prudent wife is explicitly attributed to God’s direct hand—“Every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17). This clause highlights:

• Divine sovereignty—God orchestrates marriages from creation onward (Genesis 2:18-22;Matthew 19:6).

• Gracious favor—He provides what skill or money alone cannot secure (Psalm 127:1).

• Covenant significance—a wise marriage reflects Christ’s relationship with His church (Ephesians 5:25-33).

Seeking the Lord, therefore, is essential for anyone desiring a marriage marked by prudence and enduring joy.

Proverbs 19:14 contrasts two categories of blessing. Houses and wealth, though worthwhile, come through human planning and inheritance. A prudent wife—marked by wisdom, character, and partnership—arrives only through the Lord’s gracious provision. The verse calls us to value God-given relationships above material assets and to trust Him, not merely inheritance, for life’s most enduring treasures.