Proverbs 19:14
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House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.
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Here are two rules of marital and family wisdom. Good fathers leave an inheritance for their children, and a virtuous wife is a gift from God. If every father provided financially for his children, each generation would be better off. If every family trusted the LORD for exceptional women, each generation would have marital and domestic prosperity. These two rules are essential wisdom for building a great, long-term, godly family.
Many men do not leave an inheritance for their children. They fail for two major reasons. Either they do not work hard enough and smart enough to generate income beyond their needs, or they waste what they earn through risky investments or foolish spending. Either they are too slothful to earn more than they consume, or they are too foolish and selfish to preserve capital for the next generation. Both faults are sin! See the comments on 18:9.
While children are to help and support old parents in need (I Tim 5:3-16), this is not God's order for building great families. Parents not providing for themselves, so they take from their children in old age, destroy families. Children should save money for their children and grandchildren, not for their parents (II Cor 12:14). Good men leave an inheritance for children and grandchildren (13:22). This is God's rule for great families. Consider how important this was to Caleb and Job (Josh 15:17-19; Job 42:12-17).
But great families need more than wealth to advance and grow. They also need the wonderful blessing of virtuous women: for it is by their character, diligence, reputation, and training that families become great (31:10-31). Great women can make great families. Finding an average wife is no difficulty at all; but finding a great wife is like searching for jewels. It is very difficult. The LORD must bless such a search by His wise criteria and His providential direction (18:22). But what a wonderful search!
A lazy, odious, worldly, or self-righteous woman will destroy family peace, progress, and prosperity. This wicked creature will tear down a family's son, and the grandchildren will partake of the genes and example of this evil fountain. Wise parents will despise average girls; they will beg the LORD and search with all their might for precious girls - those exceeding rare girls overflowing with diligence, graciousness, spirituality, and humility. It is important to always stress examples from scripture and life of these rare women.
A great woman can do more for a family than most any other factor. Settle for nothing less! Seek and win them with zealous guile! Pray fervently and often for this rare treasure! Explore every avenue to find one for each son and grandson! Never compromise a single rule of Scripture for wives, or you will pay severely. Let nothing distract or hinder you from demanding the very best. Forbid your sons to marry down (Gen 26:34-35; Jdgs 14:1-3); find holy girls for them (Gen 24:1-67; 28:1-5; Ezra 2:61).
Parent, catch the vision! Plan now, prepare now, and pray now to build a godly family for generations to come by saving money for your children and grandchildren and searching land and sea for great women. Make estate planning a godly goal. And trust the LORD; make the fear of the LORD the most important criterion; and beg Him for mercy in your search for godly women. Commit this family project to Him for His honor and glory.
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