Topical Encyclopedia Prudence, as a virtue, is highly esteemed in the biblical narrative, particularly when it comes to the wise and discerning avoidance of one's enemies. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that underscore the importance of exercising caution and wisdom in the face of adversaries.Biblical Examples: 1. David and Saul: One of the most illustrative examples of prudence in avoiding enemies is found in the relationship between David and King Saul. Despite being anointed as the future king of Israel, David exercised great caution in his dealings with Saul, who sought his life out of jealousy. In 1 Samuel 18:11, Saul attempts to pin David to the wall with a spear, but David eludes him twice. David's prudence is further demonstrated when he refrains from retaliating against Saul, even when he has the opportunity. In 1 Samuel 24:12, David says, "May the LORD judge between you and me, and may the LORD avenge me against you, but my hand will never be against you." 2. Jesus and the Pharisees: Jesus exemplified prudence in His interactions with the Pharisees and other religious leaders who sought to trap Him. In Matthew 22:15-22, the Pharisees attempt to ensnare Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. Jesus, aware of their malice, responds with wisdom, saying, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's" (Matthew 22:21). His answer not only avoids their trap but also conveys a profound truth. Teachings on Prudence: 1. Proverbs on Prudence: The Book of Proverbs is replete with teachings on the value of prudence. Proverbs 22:3 states, "The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences" . This verse highlights the importance of foresight and the ability to anticipate potential threats, allowing one to take appropriate action to avoid harm. 2. New Testament Wisdom: In the New Testament, believers are encouraged to be wise and discerning. In Matthew 10:16, Jesus instructs His disciples, "Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves" . This admonition underscores the necessity of combining prudence with purity, ensuring that one's actions are both wise and righteous. Practical Application: Prudence in avoiding enemies involves a combination of discernment, foresight, and strategic action. It requires an understanding of the nature and intentions of one's adversaries, as well as the wisdom to navigate potentially dangerous situations without compromising one's integrity or values. The biblical call to prudence is not merely about self-preservation but also about maintaining a posture of righteousness and trust in God's ultimate justice and protection. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 12:14-16Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him. Nave's Topical Index Mark 3:7 John 11:47-54 Library "Who Will Rise up with Me against the Wicked?" Answer to Mr. W's Sixth Objection. On the Death of his Father. Galatians Chapter I. Treatise on the Priesthood. Book iii. Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility Homilies on the Gospel of John. That There is a Malignant Party Still in the Kingdom. Letter cli. (AD 413 or 414. ) On the Great Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria. Resources What does the Bible mean when it tells us to fear not / do not fear? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” sermon? | GotQuestions.org What can we learn from the tribe of Issachar? | 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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