I
like this statement: “A prudent wife is from the LORD.” But who is a
prudent wife? The word “prudent” means “wise, understanding”. A prudent wife is
wise, sensible, and understanding.
A
prudent wife is an UNDERSTANDING wife. Some wives do not understand their
husbands. Some compare their husbands with other husbands:
“Mary’s
husband brings her for holidays every year; why can’t you be like him?”
“Sue’s
husband comes home by six o’clock; why can’t you be like him?”
A
prudent wife understands her husband is different from others and does not make
foolish comparisons and demands. She loves the man she chose to marry and she
does everything in her power to keep their marriage strong and healthy. She
understands that God has given her a unique role as a wife and mother to
nurture and nourish her family. “The heart of her husband trusteth in her,
And he shall have no lack of gain” (Pro 31:11).
A
prudent wife is a DILIGENT wife. Whether she is a full-time wife or mom, or has
a career, she works towards having her family well-provided for. She is not one
who wakes up late and lets her husband and children take care of their own
breakfast. Instead, “She riseth also while it is yet night, And giveth food
to her household... She girdeth her loins with strength, And maketh strong her
arms” (Pro 31:15, 17).
A
prudent wife is a VIRTUOUS wife. She is not a gossiper or a busybody. She has a
good reputation to her name. She is known for her kindness, humility,
generosity, patience, gentleness, and compassion. “Her husband is known in
the gates, When he sitteth among the elders of the land” (Pro 31:23). What
if the husband is known but for a wrong reason - that he has a gossipy or
terrible wife? He would rather not be known. But a prudent wife knows how to
behave herself and has a good report from others: “She openeth her mouth
with wisdom; And the law of kindness is on her tongue” (Pro 31:26).
A
prudent wife is a MATURED wife. She is well prepared for marriage and for her
role as a wife and a mother. Some women enter marriages not knowing how to take
care of the house. Some do not know how to take care of their children. Some
want to be independent in spite of being married. The independent women of
today want to divide the house chores equally with their husbands. Some do not
want to have children, preferring their independence, believing that children
are a burden. If they love their independence so much, why get married in the
first place? Some limit sexual intimacies with their husbands. It is no wonder
their marriages fail.
But
a matured woman comes into marriage fully prepared for her role as a wife and a
mother. She does know that marriage comes with a manual; it is already built-in
within her. “She looketh well to the ways of her household, And eateth not
the bread of idleness” (Pro 31:27).
A
prudent wife has WISDOM. She possesses good judgment and is able to guide her
children. She gives good advice to her husband who may be otherwise impulsive,
impatient, or ignorant. It is said that behind every successful man is a woman;
she is his dutiful wife who encourages and motivates him. “The heart of her husband
trusteth in her, And he shall have no lack of gain” (Pro 31:11, ASV).
A
prudent wife is a HELPFUL wife. She is known for her kindness and her all-out
ways to help others. Most importantly, she is a help-meet to her husband; it is
what she is designed for (Gen 2:18). I once had a colleague whose wife rang him
up every day to ask for opinions and to run certain errands. A man cannot
concentrate on his work when his wife keeps disturbing him. Blessed is the man
whose wife is a help-meet and not a help-less: “She will do
him good and not evil all the days of her life” (Pro 31:12).
Many
people spend years dreaming about their ideal wedding day, and put a lot more
money into actually planning and materializing those dreams. But marriage is
not about the wedding day. Marriage begins from that day. Unfortunately, many
have a fairytale wedding but not a marriage.
A
prudent wife is from the Lord; therefore, let God choose your mate. His
instructions for a good mate are written all over in the pages of the holy
book. Finding the right kind of wife or husband is God’s will for you. This is
how you will receive God’s blessing: “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good
thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD” (Pro 18:22).
Jimmy Lau
Psa
119:97 Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.
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