Proverbs 19:14
House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
בַּ֣יִת
House
H1004
בַּ֣יִת
House
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
1 of 7
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
נַחֲלַ֣ת
are the inheritance
H5159
נַחֲלַ֣ת
are the inheritance
Strong's:
H5159
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
אָב֑וֹת
of fathers
H1
אָב֑וֹת
of fathers
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
4 of 7
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
Cross References
Proverbs 18:22Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.Proverbs 3:6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.Proverbs 13:22A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.James 1:17Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.2 Corinthians 12:14Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not your's, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.Deuteronomy 21:16Then it shall be, when he maketh his sons to inherit that 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 11:23So 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.Genesis 24:7The LORD God of heaven, which took me from my father's house, and from the land of my kindred, and which spake unto me, and that sware unto me, saying, Unto thy seed will I give this land; he shall send his angel before thee, and thou shalt take a wife unto my son from thence.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern marriages often focused on economic alliance and property transfer. This proverb counters that mindset by asserting that character and wisdom, which only God can give, far exceed material considerations in marriage.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you recognize your spouse (or future spouse) as a gift from God's hand?
- How should understanding marriage as God's gift shape how we pursue and value it?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This proverb contrasts human inheritance with divine gift. While material wealth ('house and riches') passes through natural means and human effort, a prudent wife is directly 'from the LORD'—a sovereign gift of grace. The Hebrew 'sakal' (prudent) denotes skillful wisdom in practical affairs. This verse elevates godly marriage above mere economic arrangements, recognizing that a wise spouse is infinitely more valuable than material inheritance. God's providence governs not only salvation but also the ordinary affairs of life, including marriage. The man who receives a godly wife should recognize God's particular favor and steward this blessing faithfully.