Topical Bible: Prudence: His Lack of

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Prudence, often synonymous with wisdom and discernment, is a virtue highly esteemed in the biblical narrative. It involves the ability to govern and discipline oneself through the use of reason. The lack of prudence, therefore, is frequently highlighted in Scripture as a characteristic leading to folly, sin, and destruction.

Old Testament Insights

The Old Testament provides numerous examples and teachings on the consequences of lacking prudence. In the Book of Proverbs, a collection of wise sayings attributed primarily to Solomon, the absence of prudence is often equated with foolishness. Proverbs 14:15 states, "The simple man believes every word, but the prudent man watches his steps." Here, the "simple man" is one who lacks discernment and is easily misled, contrasting with the prudent individual who exercises caution and wisdom.

The narrative of Rehoboam, Solomon's son, serves as a historical example of imprudence. Upon ascending to the throne, Rehoboam rejected the counsel of the elders who advised him to lighten the heavy yoke his father had placed on the people. Instead, he heeded the advice of his peers, leading to the division of the kingdom (1 Kings 12:1-19). His lack of prudence in decision-making resulted in significant national consequences.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus often contrasts the wise and the foolish, underscoring the importance of prudence. In the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), the foolish virgins are those who fail to prepare adequately for the bridegroom's arrival, lacking the foresight and prudence necessary to ensure they have enough oil for their lamps. Their imprudence results in their exclusion from the wedding feast, symbolizing the spiritual peril of being unprepared for the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the lack of prudence in his epistles. In Ephesians 5:15-17, he exhorts believers, "Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is." Paul emphasizes the need for believers to live wisely and prudently, understanding God's will and making the most of their time.

Consequences of Imprudence

The Bible consistently warns of the dangers and consequences associated with a lack of prudence. Imprudence can lead to moral and spiritual downfall, as seen in the life of Esau, who imprudently sold his birthright for a single meal (Genesis 25:29-34). His lack of foresight and appreciation for the long-term value of his inheritance resulted in significant personal loss.

Moreover, the lack of prudence is often linked with sin and disobedience. In Proverbs 22:3, it is written, "The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences." This verse highlights the peril of ignoring wisdom and discernment, leading to unnecessary suffering and hardship.

Prudence in Christian Living

For Christians, prudence is not merely a practical virtue but a spiritual one, integral to living a life that honors God. The lack of prudence can hinder one's spiritual growth and effectiveness in ministry. Believers are called to seek wisdom from God, who "gives generously to all without finding fault" (James 1:5), ensuring that they live lives marked by discernment and godly decision-making.

In summary, the lack of prudence is a recurring theme in Scripture, serving as a cautionary tale for believers to seek wisdom and understanding in all aspects of life. Through the examples of biblical figures and the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, the Bible underscores the importance of prudence as a safeguard against folly and a guide toward righteous living.

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Acts 20:22-25,37,38
And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:
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Acts 21:10-14
And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.
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Library

Whether any True virtue is Possible Without Charity?
... iv, 3), "the prudence of the miser, whereby he devises various roads to gain, is
no ... charity may be of two kinds; one is in accordance with his lack of charity ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether any true virtue is.htm

Whether There Can be any True virtue Without Charity
... Julian.3), "the prudence with which misers devise diverse means of gain is not ...
Julian.3). His action, however, may not be the expression of his lack of charity ...
/.../aquinas/nature and grace/article seven whether there can.htm

An Account of the General Conference of 1800
... him were actuated more from a conviction, it is said, of his lack of those ... of confidence
in either the depth of his piety, or measure of his prudence; and also ...
/.../chapter 4 an account of.htm

Whether Imprudence is a Sin?
... But imprudence comes to man with his birth, wherefore ... merely to signify the absence
of prudence, for this ... Taken as a privation, imprudence denotes lack of that ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether imprudence is a sin.htm

Whether Inconstancy is a vice Contained under Prudence?
... rectitude of the practical reason belongs in some degree to prudence, so all lack
of that ... For a man is stated to be inconstant because his reason fails in ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether inconstancy is a vice.htm

Monitions of Christ to the Apostles in Regard to Prudence in their ...
... connected with the Divine kingdom, because they lack wisdom in ... could serve as a means
to his ends ... selfish objects, and, with ever-watchful prudence, seize upon ...
/.../section 182 monitions of christ.htm

Whether the Moral virtues are Connected with one Another?
... he will indeed acquire a certain habit of restraining his anger; but this habit
will lack the nature of virtue, through the absence of prudence, which is ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the moral virtues are.htm

Life of Socrates.
... whose good he appreciated, together with his lack of interest ... but before the writing
of his history had ... Catholic Church, or for reasons of prudence had severed ...
/.../scholasticus/the ecclesiastical history of scholasticus/ii life of socrates.htm

Whether Thoughtlessness is a Special Sin Included in Prudence?
... thy steps." Now this pertains to prudence, while the ... in the words quoted, He encourages
His disciples, so ... of taking thought, either through lack of knowledge ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether thoughtlessness is a special.htm

Modern Examples of Prayer
... devoted, ardent and prayerful, lamented his lack of power ... such profound humility,
exquisite prudence, indefatigable industry ... the intense ardour of his mind that ...
/.../bounds/the weapon of prayer/xi modern examples of prayer.htm