A PRUDENT WIFE
Part 1

"A prudent wife is from the Lord” (Proverbs 19:14b).

I know you want to be a prudent wife, but what does it mean to walk it out in experience?

Different translations of the Bible translate "prudent" in different ways: "a sensible wife" (Moffat and many other translations), "an intelligent wife" (NEB), and "an insightful wife" (CEB).

The word "prudent" in this Scripture is the Hebrew word sakal and is translated by 25 different words in the King James Bible. We'll look at seven of these words which will teach us how to be prudent.

1. A Considering Wife

A prudent wife considers what is right and how to act (Psalm 41:1 and Proverbs 21:12). My Lexical Aid describes a prudent wife as one who has "an intelligent knowledge of the reason for what she is doing." She is not walking in the dark. She knows who God created her to be as a wife and mother and walks in her role with pride and dignity.

2. An Instructed Wife

A prudent wife is an instructed wife. She comes to her marriage instructed and taught by the Holy Spirit, God's living and eternal Word, and by godly older women who are walking in truth. However, I acknowledge that many have not been taught this way and come into marriage completely clueless of what God expects of them. But, they are wives who want to learn and want to walk in the fullness of God's purpose for them.

It's never too late! So they set out to be instructed. They have a teachable heart to learn God's ways, rather than walking in their own ways. They search God's Word and seek out godly older women to teach them. They are open to reproof, instruction, and are willing to change.

Nehemiah 9:20, "Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them."

Psalm32:8 says, "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye."

Proverbs 21:11 says, "When the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge."

3. A Wise Speaking Wife

A prudent wife teaches her mouth. She guards her lips knowing that her words will either build up and strengthen her marriage and family, or pull it down and destroy it.

Proverbs 17:23 says, "The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips."

4. A Skilful Wife

The prudent wife seeks to be skilful in everything she does. She seeks to become an expert in mothering, teaching her children, and home management. She does not take her career lightly. She is never mediocre. She studies diligently how to feed her family healthily. She is the best cook in the neighborhood. She is always learning better ways to efficiently manage her home. She doesn't settle for the status quo, but searches out God's way for birthing, nursing babies, and natural God-given ways for healing.

This same word is used of a mighty warrior who is "expert" in shooting arrows (Jeremiah 50:9).

God gave Daniel and his three friends "knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom" (Daniel 1:4, 17; 9:22).

5. An Understanding Wife

The prudent wife has understanding (intellectual comprehension and insight) of God's ways. And she continually seeks for more and more understanding. She will never stay in a rut. She is continually seeking and researching for God's understanding on every matter relating to her children and her home.

She understands that her marriage is a covenant for life and she does everything in her power to keep her marriage strong and healthy. She understands that she must keep a soft heart toward her husband because divorce comes through hardening the heart (Matthew 19:5-9).

She understands that her husband is her covering and that submitting to his leadership is for her blessing.

She understands that God has given her a unique role as a wife and mother to nurture and nourish her family. She is intelligent enough to know that this is her full-time career, appointed by God himself. She does not compete for her husband's role as provider of the home. She understands that she is Eve, and not Adam.

Daniel 11:33 says, "They that understand among the people shall instruct many." The more we understand God's ways, the more opportunity we have to instruct people all around us. A prudent wife will drop seeds of truth wherever she goes and to whomever she is speaking.

Also read these Scriptures where sakal is translated as understanding: Deuteronomy 32:29; 1 Chronicles 28:19; Nehemiah 8:13; Psalm 106:7; 119:99; Isaiah 41:20; Jeremiah 9:23-24 and Daniel 9:13.

Love from Nancy Campbell

www.aboverubies.org

PRAYER:

"I thank you, Father, that I cannot make myself prudent. You remind me that a prudent wife comes from you. I yield myself to you to instruct me and lead me in your ways of wisdom and understanding. Please make me into the prudent wife you want me to be. Amen."

AFFIRMATION:

I am polishing the skills God has given me to be a prudent wife and mother.

GOD AFFIRMS: WE AFFIRM

"I AM THE LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another,
neither my praise to graven images" (Isaiah 42:8).

Do you notice that throughout the whole Bible, God continually affirms who He is? He doesn't explain who He is, He just plainly and unashamedly states who He is. "I AM THAT I AM" God unequivocally announces in Genesis 3:14. Again, in Isaiah 48:12 He states without explanation, "I AM HE."

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, also stated "I AM HE" (John 8:24, 28; 13:19). When Jesus said "I AM HE" in John 18:3-8, the band of officers "fell backwards." Again, He says in John 8:58, "Before Abraham was, I AM." In fact, He continually affirmsthat He is "I AM."

"I AM the bread of life" (John 6:35, 48, 51).

'I AM the light of the world" (John 8:12; 12:46).

'I AM from above" (John 8:23).

"I AM the door of the sheep" (John 10:7).

"I AM the good shepherd" (John 10:10, 14).

"I AM the resurrection and the life" (John 11:25).

"I AM Master and Lord" (John 13:13).

"I AM the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6).

"I AM the true vine" (John 15:5).

"I AM Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending" (Revelation 1:8, 11, 17; 22:13).

"I AM He that liveth, and was dead, and behold I am alive forevermore" (Revelation 1:18).

"I AM the root and the offspring of David" (Revelation 22:16).

"I AM the bright and morning star" (Revelation 22:16).

We read in Hebrews 1:3 that Jesus Christ is the "express image of His person." The word "person" in the Greek means "substance, assurance, confidence." This same word, hupostasis, is translated "confident boasting" in the following Scriptures--2 Corinthians 9:4; 11:17 and Hebrews 3:14). God and Christ confidently affirm who they are.

God sent Jesus into the world to show the world what He is really like. But, now that Jesus has ascended, He sends us into the world to reveal the image of God (John 20:21). Because we are created in the image of the I AM THAT I AM, we should also unashamedly affirm who God created us to be. Why are so many women ashamed of being female? I believe that the devil, who hates the image of God, wants to deny God's creation. He wants to distort the image of God in this world.

It is not enough to know who God created us to be. It is not enough to believe who we are. As God does, we should also affirm who we are. As He is "I AM," in a lesser way, we are also "I am."

I am a woman, therefore I am feminine. I will glory in my femininity in order to give glory to God. I will dress femininely, speak femininely, walk femininely, and act femininely.

I am a woman, therefore I am a "womb man." My womb is my most distinguishing characteristic as a woman. There are only two kinds of people in this world--a man without a womb, and a man with a womb. God created me with a womb, therefore I am embrace the function of my womb for the glory of God.

I am a woman, therefore I am a "life-giver." The first woman was named Eve, meaning life-giver. She was the prototype of all women to come. I will delight in bringing life to the world, through my womb, through my words, and through my actions.

I am a woman, therefore I am a nurturing mother. God has put this anointing in my very being. I am also created with breasts to nurse babies. I embrace my womanly nurturing anointingto bring glory to God.

I am a woman, therefore I am different to men. I have my own particular function and calling that God has purposed for me. I will embrace it and walk in it, and resist all temptation to take my husband's role.

I am a woman, therefore I will find my greatest joy in my home. God has given me the blessing of a home to be a nestbuilder.I have the privilege of making a sanctuary for the glory of God and to raise my children in this safe nest.

I am a woman, therefore my price is worth more than rubies and pearls. I will bring glory to God by seeking to be a precious jewel to my husband and children.

When I embrace who God created me to be I bring honor and glorify God. When I deny my femaleness, I dishonor the God who created me and His plan for my life.

May we become unashamed affirmers of who we are.

Love from NANCY CAMPBELL

PRAYER:

"I thank you, dear Father, that I do not have to doubt who you are. You are the God of the universe, and You are my God. You are God alone and there is none else. Please save me from doubting who You made me to be. I want to bring honor and glory to your name. Amen."

AFFIRMATION:

I am a woman and therefore I glory in my womanhood.

GOD AFFIRMS: WE AFFIRM, Pt. 2

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless live: yet not I, but CHRIST LIVETH IN ME: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Galatians 2:20).

Last week we talked about affirming who God created us to be physically. We must also affirm God's character in is.

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, not only died to save us from the punishment of our sins, but to live in us in order to reveal the image of God to the world. The apex of Christianity is "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27 and also Romans 8:29 and 2 Corinthians 3:18).

God does not intend you to live according to the dictates of your fleshly nature, but to yield to His life that dwells in you (Galatians 2:20). The understanding of this truth changes the way we live. It changes the atmosphere of our home.

As a young mother, I started off living according to my feelings. Sometimes I was up. Sometimes I was down. What an inferior way to live! Then I discovered the truth of Philemon v.6, "That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus."

What does this really mean? When you invite Jesus Christ to be your Savior and Lord and to come and dwell in you by His Holy Spirit, He comes in (Revelation 3:20)! He doesn't come in as half of who He is, but all of who He is! That's amazing!

When Christ comes into your life, you have "EVERY GOOD THING" in you that is in Jesus. He doesn't give His patience to some people, but leave it out of you! He doesn't give His joy to some people, but leave it out of you. He is who He is and can be nothing less, and He lives in you!

This truth is astounding. It is life-changing. However, you will not experience it until you acknowledge it. Perhaps you have had a sleepless night with the baby or young children. You feel tired and lousy. If you make this your confession, you'll feel even worse. Instead, acknowledge that God is the strength of your life. "Thank you, Lord, that you live in me. I thank you for your divine strength which is strengthening me today." You'll be amazed how God will enable you to get through the day when you didn't think you could make it. (Of course, you'll try to take a little nap in the afternoon, if you can!)

There are times when the children get out of hand, you get angry with them, and start shouting. What are you doing? Giving into your frustration and fleshly anger. You don't have to do that--YOU ARE THE MOST PATIENT MOTHER LIVING IN YOUR CITY! I beg pardon, you reply! Yes, Christ lives in you, and there is no one filled with more with patience and longsuffering than Him. Acknowledge His longsuffering in you. "Thank you, for your patience, Lord. Thank you that I'm filled with patience because you live in me."

What will happen? You can now deal with the situation in a calm spirit. You can only do either of two things--scream and yell at your children, or acknowledge His longsuffering that is in you! One or the other! Which do you choose?

What about when you feel down in the dumps and full of self-pity? It doesn't take hard work to feel like that, does it? But that is the flesh. Is Christ full of self-pity? Is He disgruntled, complaining and morose? No. Joy is His character. Hebrews 1:9 tells us that He is filled with joy more than anyone else. And He lives in you. Start thanking Him for His joy that fills your life. Don't listen to those feelings. Keep confessing the joy and your feelings will soon catch up with your confession.

You must acknowledge Christ's life in you for it to become effectual. The word "effectual" is energes meaning, "active, operative, powerful." It is the same word "powerful," that is used to describe God's Word in Hebrews 4:12.

We don't have these wonderful attributes in our own flesh. We only have them because of the life of Christ that dwells in us. I think the saddest indictment to Christianity today is that we do not embrace the fullness of Christ's death upon the cross for us. He died to not only save us from our sin, but from our day to day fleshly nature by dwelling IN US! He wants us to exchange our fleshly life for His righteous, joyful, and restful life.

Which way are you living in your home today?

Love from NANCY CAMPBELL

PRAYER:

"I thank you so much, dear Lord, for the indwelling Holy Spirit in me. I thank you for Your life and character in me. Please help me today to yield to your life and not to my fleshly lusts. Amen."

AFFIRMATION:

Today I will continually affirm who Christ is in me, and not give into my deceiving feelings.

I WAS WRONG! 

“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother,
and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24).

I have always taught that Oneness is the first principle of marriage. However, I was wrong. Before God speaks about becoming “one flesh,” He first introduces three basic principles for marriage. How could I not see that before?

THE FRUITFUL ANOINTING

The first one, of course, is mandated in the very first words that God ever spoke into the ears of man, “Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish (fill) the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion…” (Genesis 1:28).

Fruitfulness is the overriding blessing God has given to marriage. God is a God who loves fruitfulness and He looks for fruitfulness in each marriage. It is the first blessing that He gave to man, for these words were not only a mandate from God, but His blessing. Genesis 1:28 says, “And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful…” This blessing is reiterated all through the Bible. Psalm 107:38 says, “He blesses them and they multiply greatly.”

The divine plan of “one flesh” marriage is to embrace the spirit of fruitfulness.

THE HELPING WIFE

The next thing we read about God’s plan for marriage is in Genesis 2:18, “And the Lord God said, It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helpmeet for him.”

The Hebrew word for helpmeet is ezer and means “helper, to come to one’s aid.” Although the husband and wife work together in their powerful directive to take dominion on this earth for God, He specifically gave the ministry of helping to the wife. Is this insignificant? No, it is powerful. This is the first time ezer is used in the Bible, and yet it is the same word that is used to describe God, who is our “Help and my deliverer” (Psalms 40:17) The spirit of helping, in the same way God comes to our aid to help us, is also the backdrop of “one flesh” marriage.

THE CLEAVING HUSBAND

We read in Genesis 2:24, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife.” The word cleave in the Hebrew is dabaq and means “to cling or adhere to, abide, follow hard after, be joined together, to stick to.” A husband is to be totally faithful to his wife. He is to be glued to his wife. He has no other rival than his wife.

It is also true that the wife is to cleave to her husband, but this characteristic is particularly pinned on the husband. God never intended a man and woman to become “one flesh” except in the confines of a faithful and covenantal marriage. It is not an independent act. Fruitfulness, faithfulness, and helpfulness are the basis of this godly institution.

Ramban writes, “First one must cleave to his wife, then they will become one flesh. There can be no true oneness of the flesh without first experiencing a cleaving together of the heart.”

THE ONE FLESH ANOINTING

With God’s full understanding of faithfulness and fruitfulness we embrace the “one flesh” marriage. Yes, it also means that we are to be one in spirit, purpose, and vision. But, it is physical “one flesh.” We are to embrace this wholly as it is the heat of the marriage relationship. Oops. I just made a typing error! meant to type, “the heart of the marriage,” but I think we could also call it the “heat of the marriage.”

God reiterates this vision in the New Testament in Matthew 19:4-5 and again in 1 Corinthians 7:4-5, “Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not.”

Because God said, “they shall be one flesh,” it should be a familiar part of each marriage. He did not say that they would be occasionally one flesh, but one flesh. I am sure that means consistently one flesh. However, because many couples have not embraced the foundational principles for “one flesh” that God established, they do not walk in the full anointing of “one flesh” that God intends. To experience the fullness of God’s plan, we have to embrace it all, not just what we think suits us.

Reuven Bulka writes, “Marriage is not simply living the same as before but with someone else. Nor is it simply a change of lifestyle with added benefits and duties. Marriage is, and should be lived, as a higher dimension of existence. All that goes on prior to marriage ideally prepares for marriage, but marriage itself is a fresh start in the way life was meant to be.”

We should not expect to live our marriage according to the status quo of couples who choose their own way for marriage. We must embrace a higher way, a way that transcends the natural for it is God-planned. Embrace God’s way and all that He has planned for you in your marriage.

Love from Nancy Campbell

www.aboverubies.org

PRAYER:

“Thank you, Father, for showing me the way you want me to live my marriage. I thank you that your way is the way that brings joy, blessing and peace. Amen.”

AFFIRMATION:

I am embracing all that God has designed for my marriage.