King James Version

What Does Proverbs 19:14 Mean?

Proverbs 19:14 in the King James Version says “House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.”

Proverbs 19:14 · KJV

Context

12

The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.

13

A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.

14

House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.

15

Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.

16

He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.

Read Proverbs 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you recognize your spouse (or future spouse) as a gift from God's hand?
  2. How should understanding marriage as God's gift shape how we pursue and value it?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
בַּ֣יִת1 of 7

“House”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וָ֭הוֹן2 of 7

“and riches”

H1952

wealth; by implication, enough

נַחֲלַ֣ת3 of 7

“are the inheritance”

H5159

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

אָב֑וֹת4 of 7

“of fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וּ֝מֵיְהוָ֗ה5 of 7

“is from the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אִשָּׁ֥ה6 of 7

“wife”

H802

a woman

מַשְׂכָּֽלֶת׃7 of 7

“and a prudent”

H7919

to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 19:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 19:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 18:22Proverbs 31:10-31Proverbs 13:22Proverbs 3:6James 1:17Genesis 28:1-4

Test Your Knowledge

Proverbs 19 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterProverbs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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