Topical Encyclopedia Prudence, a virtue characterized by wisdom, foresight, and careful judgment, is exemplified in the biblical account of Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, particularly in his conduct toward Mary. Joseph's actions, as described in the Gospel of Matthew, reveal a man of deep moral integrity and thoughtful consideration, navigating a complex and potentially scandalous situation with grace and righteousness.Background Context Joseph, a descendant of King David, is introduced in the Gospel of Matthew as a righteous man betrothed to Mary (Matthew 1:18). In Jewish custom, betrothal was a binding agreement, more significant than modern-day engagement, requiring a formal divorce to dissolve. During this period, Mary was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit, a revelation that placed Joseph in a challenging position. Joseph's Initial Response Upon discovering Mary's pregnancy, Joseph faced a dilemma. The law permitted him to expose Mary to public disgrace or even punishment. However, Joseph's character is revealed in his decision to handle the matter discreetly. Matthew 1:19 states, "Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly." This decision reflects Joseph's prudence, balancing adherence to the law with compassion and mercy. Divine Intervention and Obedience Joseph's prudence is further demonstrated when he receives divine guidance through a dream. An angel of the Lord appears to him, saying, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 1:20). The angel instructs Joseph to name the child Jesus, "because he will save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21). Joseph's response to this divine message is immediate and obedient. Matthew 1:24-25 records, "When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus" . Joseph's actions demonstrate his prudence in trusting God's plan and his willingness to protect and honor Mary. Joseph's Role as Protector and Provider Throughout the early life of Jesus, Joseph continues to exhibit prudence in his role as protector and provider. After the visit of the Magi, Joseph is again warned in a dream to flee to Egypt to escape Herod's wrath (Matthew 2:13-14). His prompt obedience ensures the safety of the Holy Family. Joseph's prudence is evident in his ability to discern and act upon divine guidance, ensuring the fulfillment of God's purposes. Conclusion Joseph's conduct toward Mary is a profound example of prudence in action. His ability to balance justice with mercy, his responsiveness to divine revelation, and his steadfast commitment to his family highlight the depth of his character. Through Joseph's account, believers are reminded of the importance of prudence in navigating life's challenges with wisdom and faithfulness. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 1:19Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privately. Nave's Topical Index Library Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility Critical Notes. Acts ii. 37 Homilies on the Statues. Christian Behavior Footnotes General Index to Sozomen's Ecclesiastical History. Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners: Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus. John Bunyan on the Terms of Communion and Fellowship of Christians ... Resources What does the Bible say about applied kinesiology? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about gray hair? | GotQuestions.org Is “you only live once / YOLO” something a Christian should live by? | GotQuestions.org Prudence: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Prudence in Avoiding his Enemies Prudence in Charging Those Who Were Healed not to "Advertise" his Miracles Prudence in Circumcising Timothy Prudence in Performing Temple Rites Prudence in Turning the Jewish Sects Against Each Other Prudence in Walking "No Longer Openly" Prudence of the Wicked: Defeated by God Prudence of the Wicked: Denounced by God Prudence of the Wicked: Fails in Times of Perplexity Prudence of the Wicked: Keeps Them from the Knowledge of the Gospel Prudence of the Wicked: Necessity For-Illustrated Prudence: Abigail, in Averting David's Anger Prudence: Achish, in Dismissing David Prudence: Aged Counsellors of Rehoboam Prudence: Avoiding Suspicion in Administering the Gifts of the Congregations Prudence: Certain Elders of Israel Prudence: David, in his Conduct Toward Saul Prudence: David, in Overthrowing Ahithophel's Shrewd Advice Prudence: Elijah, in his Escape from Jezebel Prudence: Exemplified by Christ Prudence: Exhibited in the Manifestation of God's Grace Prudence: General Scriptures Concerning Prudence: Going to the Feast Secretly Prudence: Intimately Connected With Wisdom Prudence: Jacob, in his Conduct Toward Esau Prudence: Jacob, Toward his Sons, After Dinah's Defilement Prudence: Jehoram, in Suspecting a Syrian Stratagem Prudence: Jethro's Advice to Moses Prudence: Joseph, in his Conduct Toward Mary Prudence: Joseph, in the Affairs of Egypt Prudence: Nehemiah, in Conduct of Affairs at Jerusalem Prudence: Paul and Barnabas, in Escaping Persecution Prudence: Paul and Silas, in Escaping from Berea Prudence: Peter, in Escaping from Herod Agrippa I Prudence: Saints should Especially Exercise, in Their Intercourse With Prudence: Saul, in not Killing the Jabesh-Gileadites Prudence: The Israelites, in the Threatened War With the Two and One-Half Tribes Prudence: The Town Clerk of Ephesus, in Averting a Riot Prudence: The Wise Celebrated For Prudence: The Young should Cultivate Prudence: They Who Have are Preserved by It Prudence: They Who Have: Crowned With Knowledge Prudence: They Who Have: Deal With Knowledge Prudence: They Who Have: Foresee and Avoid Evil Prudence: They Who Have: Get Knowledge Prudence: They Who Have: Keep Silence in the Evil Time Prudence: They Who Have: Look Well to Their Goings Prudence: They Who Have: Not Ostentatious of Knowledge Prudence: They Who Have: Regard Reproof Prudence: They Who Have: Suppress Angry Feelings Prudence: They Who Have: Understand the Ways of God Prudence: They Who Have: Understand Their own Ways Prudence: Virtuous Wives Act With Related Terms |
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