Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian life, prudence is a virtue that involves careful and wise management of one's actions and decisions. It is the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason. The concept of prudence in walking, particularly in the context of "no longer openly," draws from the biblical narrative and teachings that emphasize the importance of discretion and wisdom in one's conduct, especially in the face of opposition or danger.Biblical Context The phrase "no longer openly" is derived from the Gospel of John, where Jesus, due to increasing hostility from the Jewish leaders, chose to withdraw from public ministry in certain areas. John 11:54 states, "As a result, Jesus no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went away from there to the region near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim, where He stayed with the disciples" . This decision reflects a strategic and prudent approach to His mission, ensuring that His work would continue according to divine timing and purpose. Prudence in Action Prudence involves recognizing the appropriate time and manner to act. Jesus' decision to "no longer walk openly" was not out of fear but out of a discerning understanding of His mission and the timing of events. This teaches believers the importance of being wise and discerning in their own lives, especially when faced with opposition or potential harm. 1. Discernment: Prudence requires the ability to discern the right course of action. In Proverbs 14:15, it is written, "The simple man believes every word, but the prudent man watches his steps" . This highlights the need for careful consideration and discernment in decision-making. 2. Timing: Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven" . Prudence involves recognizing the right time to act and when to refrain, aligning one's actions with God's timing. 3. Protection: In Matthew 10:16, Jesus advises His disciples, "Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves" . This instruction underscores the need for prudence in navigating a world that can be hostile to the message of the Gospel. Application for Believers For contemporary believers, the principle of prudence in walking "no longer openly" can be applied in various aspects of life: - Witnessing: While Christians are called to be bold in their faith, there are times when discretion is necessary to protect oneself and others, ensuring that the message of the Gospel is not hindered by unnecessary conflict. - Decision-Making: In personal and communal decisions, prudence involves seeking God's wisdom through prayer and Scripture, consulting with wise counsel, and considering the potential consequences of one's actions. - Conflict Resolution: When faced with opposition, believers are encouraged to respond with grace and wisdom, choosing battles wisely and prioritizing peace and reconciliation whenever possible. In conclusion, prudence in walking "no longer openly" is a biblical principle that encourages believers to act with wisdom, discernment, and strategic foresight. By following the example of Jesus, Christians can navigate the complexities of life with a balanced approach that honors God and furthers His kingdom purposes. Nave's Topical Index John 11:54Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went there to a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples. Nave's Topical Index John 12:36 Library The Final Disillusion On the Government of God The Sermon that the Reverend Father in Christ Galatians Chapter iii. The Ugly Thread in the Weaving. The Proposition of the Apostle Dehortatory. --" The Danger of Riches The Family of a Saint Persecution Every Christian's Lot On Friendship with the World Resources What are the seven cardinal virtues? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a husbandman in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about common sense? | 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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