Pursue prudence

But a prudent wife is from the Lord.” Proverbs 19:14

As stated in the key verse, prudence is the most desirable quality in a Godly wife. Prudence in Hebrew means understanding wisely and acting circumspectly. "Circumspect" means thinking carefully about all potential consequences and circumstances.

Abigail's story in 1 Samuel 25 is a great example of a prudent wife who acts circumspectly. She was described as prudent and beautiful, and married to a foolish man called Nabal. As David was fleeing from Saul and low on supplies, he asked Nabal for supplies, but Nabal insulted David, provoking him to attack his household.

Upon learning of the situation, Abigail acted swiftly, bringing generous provisions and meeting David directly and giving him an eloquent and wise speech.

During her plea, she interceded for her husband, and asked David not to shed any blood since he would become the king of Israel, and spoke of God saving David’s enemies like from the pocket of a sling. She chose words that would speak to David. She ended her plea by asking David to remember her. 

She succeeded in defusing the crisis, and when God stroked Nabal to death, David married Abigail. Abigail's prudence contrasts with Nabel's foolishness because a prudent person acts circumspectly and carefully considers the steps (Proverb 14:15).  C.S Lewis says  “Prudence means practical common sense, taking the trouble to think out what you are doing and what is likely to come of it.”

May the Holy Spirit guide us to act and think with wisdom and prudence. We can ask God for wisdom when we lack it, for He gives us generously.

Blessing prayer: I thank God for giving us wisdom generously so that we can apply prudence in all situations with the help of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name amen