What Does Proverbs 19:14 Mean in the King James?
House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.
The analysis reads the King James wording.
King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.
THE KEY
A family can pass down a house and wealth, but it cannot pass down the discernment that makes a relationship wise.
THE MEANING
You may receive a house and wealth through inheritance, but a wife marked by insight is from the LORD. The verse places discernment in a different category from property: it comes from beyond the family estate. The word translated “prudent” carries the sense of perceptive understanding.
WHAT THIS UNDOES
It dissolves the belief that family inheritance can provide every good a household needs; discernment has another source.
THE ROOT
מַשְׂכָּלֶת
maskélet
GROWS FROM
שׂכל
ś-k-l
To understand, perceive, and act wisely.
“prudent” in this verse is maskélet. The woman is described not merely as cautious but as characterized by understanding. The same root gives words for insight and a person who understands, placing this quality in clear perception rather than in something that can be handed down as property.
ALSO GROWS
maskil: A person who understands; wise.
מַשְׂכִּיל
Proverbs 10:5 uses this related form for the wise son who recognizes the right time to gather.
sekel: Understanding, insight, good sense.
שֵׂכֶל
This noun names the discernment beneath “prudent”: the ability to perceive what a situation calls for.
THE PATTERN
Material goods may pass through inheritance, while discernment and relational good are received from the LORD.
Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.THE THREAD
He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.The Hebrew word translated “wise” comes from the same root, שכל, as “prudent” in Proverbs 19:14. In both verses, wisdom is perceptive understanding that recognizes what the moment calls for.
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