A Prudent Wife

"Houses and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the Lord" Proverbs 19:14

This week God has been highlighting this word to me; prudence. I’ve learned so much that I’d like to invite you to my quiet time with the Lord on this one.

I like the way the New Century Version of the Bible puts this verse: “Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a wise wife is a gift from the Lord.” Did you notice it doesn’t say that houses and riches are from God? How many times are we led to believe that having a house and being rich are God’s gifts? Those things are not as much of a blessing as a prudent wife is. A prudent wife cannot be bought. Here is the definition

 

Prudence

1 : the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason

2: skill and good judgment in the use of resources

3: caution or circumspection as to danger or risk

 

Let’s tackle each one of these

 

Number 1; to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason.

 

The bible encourages us to deepen our understanding and increase in wisdom but there is so much basic wisdom we already know we can apply yet at times we don’t. Have you ever “known”, in the grocery store, that purchasing this decadent dessert for the house will probably cause you to overeat once you bring it home? Yet what do we do? We justify it somehow that it’s just one of our few pleasures. What about time management, prioritizing and adjusting so that our house runs smoothly. Going to bed on time if we are to spend quality time with God in the morning and serve our family well. Saying no to things we do in excess so it doesn't limit our time for the really important things. Being prudent could for some mean laying aside facebook, tv at night, books, being on the phone or spending too much time on ourselves getting ready or running to the gym a lot. Even “good” things such as volunteering a lot, hosting get togethers with friends or being in 3 different bible studies can be unwise. Remember, the prudent woman disciplines herself by the use of reason.

 

Number 2; skill and good judgment in the use of resources

 

We are blessed to enjoy having 5 four wheelers on my mother in laws property for the use of our kids and cousins. They are all different sizes because as the boys grew, the machines have gotten bigger and faster. The other day Tanner,7, came in whining that his cousin has taken “his” favourite four wheeler again and he has nothing to ride. As countless times before, my husbands response was “ride another four wheeler” to which my son declared for the hundredth time that it’s too small and therefore slower.  In that moment my son would rather stand on the side miserable about not having what he wants, then riding what is available. He had resources but lacked good judgment and willingness to honor God with what he had. Not very prudent.

 

Number 3; caution or circumspection as to danger or risk

 

I will be the first to admit that I am deeply lacking in the area of true prudence.  Our finances is an area that I should have cared enough to be more involved with. Budgeting is not something we have “had” to do. My husband has worked very hard to reach the income level that he has and it has afforded us to be lax. And though I would not seek to change this since it is through this money that God has blessed us, I do wish to take an active roll in finally being a good steward of this money. Having an abundance now does not mean it will always be so. Life is unpredictable and as a wife and mother I want to be cautious and prepare. I want to be prudent.

Are these not things all women might strive for? Do we not all want to protect that which is ours, whether material or flesh and blood?  Do we not have an innate desire to provide for our families to the best of our abilities?  God has given us all time and resources. My journey is to start really looking at my situation and making small changes towards being more prudent. How else can I teach and encourage my children to do the same?

 

The day my son was upset, you could have looked over the perfectly mowed field and seen my husband zipping by on the smallest four wheeler. He enjoyed  himself for such a long time that my son ended up begging to ride that one. He needed to be shown afresh what he already had. How about you?