Wives: Good are Diligent and Prudent
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In the biblical context, the role and character of a wife are often highlighted through the virtues of diligence and prudence. These qualities are esteemed as they contribute to the well-being of the family and the community, reflecting the wisdom and order that God desires in His creation.

Diligence

Diligence is a key attribute of a virtuous wife, as depicted in the Scriptures. Proverbs 31 provides a comprehensive portrait of a diligent wife, often referred to as the "Proverbs 31 woman." This passage describes her as industrious and hardworking, managing her household with care and efficiency. Proverbs 31:13-15 states, "She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She rises while it is still night to provide food for her household and portions for her maidservants." Her diligence is not only in her work but also in her foresight and planning, ensuring that her family is well-provided for.

The diligent wife is also portrayed as one who contributes to the prosperity of her household. Proverbs 31:16 says, "She considers a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard." Her ability to make wise financial decisions and her entrepreneurial spirit are celebrated as they enhance the family's resources and stability.

Prudence

Prudence, or the ability to govern and discipline oneself through the use of reason, is another essential quality of a good wife. A prudent wife is one who exercises sound judgment and discretion in her actions and decisions. Proverbs 19:14 highlights the value of a prudent wife: "Houses and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD." This verse underscores the divine blessing that a prudent wife represents, as her wisdom and insight are gifts from God.

The prudent wife is also characterized by her ability to manage her household affairs with wisdom. Proverbs 31:27 states, "She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness." Her vigilance and careful management ensure that her home runs smoothly and efficiently, reflecting her commitment to her family's welfare.

Biblical Examples

The Bible provides several examples of women who exemplify diligence and prudence. Ruth, for instance, is a model of diligence and loyalty. Her hard work in the fields of Boaz and her commitment to her mother-in-law Naomi demonstrate her industrious nature and her prudent choice to align herself with the people of God (Ruth 2:2-3).

Abigail is another example of prudence. In 1 Samuel 25, she acts with wisdom and discretion to prevent David from taking vengeance on her household. Her quick thinking and diplomatic approach avert disaster and earn her David's respect and admiration (1 Samuel 25:18-35).

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of a good wife as diligent and prudent underscores the importance of these virtues in the life of a family. Through diligence, a wife contributes to the material and emotional well-being of her household, while her prudence ensures that her family is guided by wisdom and sound judgment. These qualities are not only beneficial to the family but also honor God, who is the source of all wisdom and strength.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Proverbs 31:13-27
She seeks wool, and flax, and works willingly with her hands.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On Marriage.
... but with the most earnest and diligent solicitude to ... and the most powerful stimulus
toward everything good from the ... and it is thus that our wives enjoy their ...
/.../schleiermacher/selected sermons of schleiermacher/vii on marriage.htm

The Polity Settled by Moses; and How He Disappeared from among ...
... so had killed him, let there be a very diligent inquiry made ... this will be for the
solace of wives under their ... to feasting and matrimony; for it is good for him ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 the polity settled.htm

Moab is My Washpot
... errors in others, and immediately set a diligent watch against ... God over-rules for
good the evilness of men ... as a toast, the health of their wives, and turning ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/moab is my washpot.htm

The Builders on the Wall
... So they strengthened their hands for this good work ... the fearful, aroused the laggard,
and approved the diligent. ... sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 53 the builders on.htm

Translated from Latin of Rufinus.
... with a blessing useful fruits to the diligent and careful ... a three days' journey,
but leave your wives, and your ... my endurance that has made you good for nothing ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/translated from latin of rufinus.htm

An Account of the Organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church ...
... but rather they are certain signs of grace and God's good will toward us ... 1. Be diligent. ...
Question 3. What shall be annually allowed the wives of the married ...
/.../chapter 3 an account of.htm

Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
... truth with us, become frugal and diligent, then they ... object, That God swore, therefore
to swear is good. ... are accustomed to fight, as prudent warriors therein. ...
/.../proposition xv concerning salutations and.htm

The General Conference of 1840
... By a diligent devotion to this evangelical employment ... Christ Jesus, and abound in
good works, to ... for those superannuated missionaries, their wives, widows, and ...
/.../chapter 15 the general conference.htm

Inspiration of Scripture. --Gospel Difficulties. --The Word of God ...
... father, but the son) "of Sychem," is a good example of ... I urged the younger men to
a diligent and painful ... the Deluge, for instance, is an old wives' story, and ...
/.../inspiration and interpretation/sermon iii inspiration of scripture gospel.htm

Ancient Chaldaea
... What was the good of causing the deluge? ... The hunter saw from a distance that his
face was inflamed with anger," and judging it more prudent not to persevere ...
/.../chapter iancient chaldaea.htm

Resources
What does it mean that husbands are to love their wives? | GotQuestions.org

Why did God allow Solomon to have 1,000 wives and concubines? | GotQuestions.org

If a man has multiple wives and becomes a Christian, what is he supposed to do? | GotQuestions.org

Wives: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Wives

Wives of Ministers should be Exemplary

Wives: Bad: Herodias

Wives: Bad: Jezebel

Wives: Bad: Job's Wife

Wives: Bad: Michal

Wives: Bad: Samson's Wife

Wives: Bad: Sapphira

Wives: Bad: Zeresh

Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To be Faithful to Them

Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To be Subject to Them

Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To Love Them

Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To Obey Them

Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To Remain With Them for Life

Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To Reverence Them

Wives: Good are a Blessing to Husbands

Wives: Good are a Token of the Favour of God

Wives: Good are Benevolent to the Poor

Wives: Good are Diligent and Prudent

Wives: Good are from the Lord

Wives: Good are Praised by Husbands

Wives: Good: Abigail

Wives: Good: Bring Honor on Husbands

Wives: Good: Duty of, to Unbelieving Husbands

Wives: Good: Elizabeth

Wives: Good: Esther

Wives: Good: Orpah and Ruth

Wives: Good: Priscilla

Wives: Good: Sarah

Wives: Good: Secure Confidence of Husbands

Wives: Good: should be Silent in the Churches

Wives: Good: Wife of Manoah

Wives: Not to be Selected from Among the Ungodly

Wives: should be Adorned with a Meek and Quiet Spirit

Wives: should be Adorned with Good Works

Wives: should be Adorned with Modesty and Sobriety

Wives: should be Adorned: Not With Ornaments

Wives: should Seek Religious Instruction from Their Husbands

Related Terms

Servant-wives (4 Occurrences)

Concubines (18 Occurrences)

Adah (8 Occurrences)

Zillah (3 Occurrences)

Lamech (11 Occurrences)

Ahinoam (7 Occurrences)

Begetteth (52 Occurrences)

Infants (71 Occurrences)

Fathered (4 Occurrences)

Dearer (4 Occurrences)

Bashemath (6 Occurrences)

Ahin'o-am (7 Occurrences)

Subjection (40 Occurrences)

Married (152 Occurrences)

Jizreelitess (5 Occurrences)

Goblets (12 Occurrences)

Riseth (165 Occurrences)

Mahalath (6 Occurrences)

Basmath (7 Occurrences)

Consorts (3 Occurrences)

Ab'igail (16 Occurrences)

Maachah (19 Occurrences)

Subject (99 Occurrences)

Abigail (18 Occurrences)

Polygamy

Wife (437 Occurrences)

Widows (33 Occurrences)

Slain (235 Occurrences)

Provide (74 Occurrences)

Besides (178 Occurrences)

Foreign (65 Occurrences)

Captive (123 Occurrences)

Calamity (108 Occurrences)

Threescore (87 Occurrences)

Lain (57 Occurrences)

Loveth (88 Occurrences)

Queens (4 Occurrences)

Taking (445 Occurrences)

Ziklag (13 Occurrences)

Carmel (33 Occurrences)

Jabesh-gilead (12 Occurrences)

Looted (9 Occurrences)

Wounding (24 Occurrences)

Wagons (14 Occurrences)

Won (24 Occurrences)

Waggons (9 Occurrences)

Injuring (4 Occurrences)

Feasting (39 Occurrences)

Twenty-eight (13 Occurrences)

Rachel (42 Occurrences)

Raising (29 Occurrences)

Ruled (84 Occurrences)

Eighteen (22 Occurrences)

Elkanah (20 Occurrences)

Deportment (12 Occurrences)

Diminished (11 Occurrences)

Daylight (24 Occurrences)

Decrease (4 Occurrences)

Divorced (10 Occurrences)

Ma'acah (22 Occurrences)

Permitted (31 Occurrences)

Plunder (118 Occurrences)

Princesses (4 Occurrences)

Beeri (2 Occurrences)

Bruising (5 Occurrences)

Bani (15 Occurrences)

Beget (20 Occurrences)

Behavior (20 Occurrences)

Basemath (7 Occurrences)

Ben-hadad (27 Occurrences)

Carmelite (6 Occurrences)

Carts (13 Occurrences)

Captives (69 Occurrences)

Ammonite (22 Occurrences)

Anah (10 Occurrences)

Sixty (70 Occurrences)

Submit (36 Occurrences)

Shemariah (5 Occurrences)

Wives: Good are Benevolent to the Poor
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