Are You A Prude?

Proverbs 19:14, “House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.”

Because prudent is not a word we use on a daily basis anymore, the spiritual richness  of our womanly heritage  can be lost without careful study.  When we hear “prudent” we often think of “prude.” This is the world’s mocking label for a woman who dresses and acts in a way to  show she’s not interested in immorality. To the Christian, being a “prude” in today’s sexually permissive society is still honorable, but it doesn’t encompass the depth of the character of a  godly wife provided by the Lord.

Using the definition from the original Greek word, given by Online Bible, a prudent woman has broad wisdom, insight,comprehension, and understanding, and is able to pass on her knowledge. What is inside shows up outside. She is properous, or successful, in all aspects of her moral and spiritual life.

Utilizing the principle of “first mentions” in the Scriptures, let’s go back to the first usage of  prudent in the Old Testament.   (Prudent is only one of the English words translated from the Greek word sakal.  The bold- faced words indicate the other English words used.)

Genesis 3:6, “And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise , she took the fruit, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband and he did eat.”

Eve desired to be wise, but she sought wisdom in the wrong place; in a place forbidden by the Lord.  Instead of wisdom, she gained spiritual death and separation from the presence of the Lord, as they were driven from the Garden. There was a high cost for her quest for worldly wisdom.

To paint a spiritual picture of  prudent, we’ll create a composite by looking at the various admonitions in the Scriptures.
Joshua 1:8, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”   A mouthful and a heartful of Jesus?  This isn’t what the world defines as a success.  You won’t be featured in Forbes, Fortune 500 or the Wall Street Journal.  But, your name will be written in the Book of Life and you will hear those knee-bowing, heart-worshipping words, “Well done, good and  faithful servant.”

Think for a moment.  If we are saved, if we are faithful, we will hear these words from the Author of our salvation.  Does it cause your heart to burn within you in eager and humble anticipation and adoration?

Psalm 41:1, “Blessed is he that considers the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.”  Poor doesn’t just refer to financial poverty, but poverty of soul.  Those who don’t have the Gospel are poor in Spirit.

Proverbs 10:19, “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking: but he that refrains his lips is wise.”  She bites her tongue – until it bleeds!

Proverbs 16:20,”He that handles a matter wisely  willl find good: and whoever trusts in the LORD, happy is he.”  In James we’re told we lack wisdom because we don’t ask.  It’s that simple? Just ask?  It’s that simple.  Want to be happy?  Trust in the Lord.  It’s that simple?  Just trust?  It’s that simple.

Proverbs 16:23, “The heart of the wise teacheth  his mouth, and adds learning to his lips.”  Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks, what is abounding in our hearts?  Are our hearts teaching our lips wisdom?

Proverbs 21:11, “When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed  he receives knowledge.”  Knowledge of the Holy One comes in His Holy Word.

There’s  one common theme – obedience to the Lord and His Holy Word. We need to  read, memorize, meditate, obey, teach and receive instruction.

The prudent wife from the Lord? She is one who has chosen the Lord, bears the marks of her obedience and bears fruit beneficial to all.

The Lord doesn’t randomly choose a woman and give her an instantaneous spiritual makeover.

It is a reciprocating relationship.

If we draw near to Him, He draws near to us.

If we seek to be holy, for He is holy, He gives us the help we need to be holy.

If we call on Him, He will answer and show us great and mighty things which we know not.

But, as the clay, we have to put ourselves into His hands to be molded into a vessel fit for use.

Do you want to have good success while you consider the poor, refrain your lips, handle matters wisely, teach with your heart and receive knowledge?

Bible + Woman = Prudent

It’s that easy, really.