family. Men are encouraged directly to look for wisdom and discretion in those with whom they would build a home and raise a family. “The wisest of women builds her house” (Prov 14:1a). “House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD” (Prov 19:14). The excellent wife of Proverbs 31 “opens her mouth with wisdom” (v. 26). Second, a future husband or wife should be someone who fears the Lord. King Lemuel’s mother told him directly to seek such a woman: “Charm is deceitful,