Topical Encyclopedia Prudence, a virtue often associated with wisdom and discernment, is prominently exhibited in the manifestation of God's grace throughout the biblical narrative. This divine attribute is not only a guiding principle for human conduct but also a reflection of God's own nature as He interacts with His creation.Biblical Foundation of Prudence The concept of prudence is deeply rooted in Scripture, where it is frequently linked with wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 8:12 personifies wisdom, stating, "I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion." Here, prudence is depicted as an essential companion to wisdom, suggesting that true wisdom cannot exist without the careful and thoughtful application of knowledge. Prudence in God's Plan of Salvation God's prudence is most profoundly demonstrated in His plan of salvation. Ephesians 1:7-8 reveals, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding." The phrase "with all wisdom and understanding" underscores the prudence with which God orchestrated the redemption of humanity. His grace is not dispensed haphazardly but with deliberate and thoughtful intention, ensuring that His purposes are fulfilled. Prudence in Divine Timing The prudence of God is also evident in His perfect timing. Galatians 4:4-5 states, "But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive our adoption as sons." God's decision to send His Son at the precise moment in history reflects His prudent orchestration of events, ensuring that the conditions were ideal for the fulfillment of His redemptive plan. Prudence in God's Guidance Throughout Scripture, God's guidance of His people is marked by prudence. In the Old Testament, the Israelites experienced God's prudent leadership as He delivered them from Egypt and guided them through the wilderness. Exodus 13:17-18 illustrates this, "When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the land of the Philistines, though it was shorter. For God said, 'If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.' So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea." Here, God's prudence is evident in His strategic guidance, taking into account the Israelites' weaknesses and potential challenges. Prudence in the Life of Jesus The life and ministry of Jesus Christ provide a perfect example of divine prudence. Jesus often demonstrated prudence in His interactions and teachings, knowing when to speak and when to remain silent, when to perform miracles and when to withdraw. 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 call to shrewdness, or prudence, reflects the necessity of wise and discerning conduct in the face of opposition. Prudence as a Model for Believers Believers are called to emulate God's prudence in their own lives. The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently exhorts Christians to live prudently. In Ephesians 5:15-16 , he writes, "Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." This admonition highlights the importance of prudence in navigating the complexities of life, making the most of every opportunity to reflect God's grace and wisdom. In summary, prudence is a divine attribute that is intricately woven into the fabric of God's grace. It is manifested in His plan of salvation, His perfect timing, His guidance, and the life of Jesus Christ. As believers seek to reflect God's character, prudence becomes an essential virtue, guiding them to live wisely and discerningly in a world that desperately needs the light of God's grace. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ephesians 1:8Wherein he has abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Analysis of the Westminster Confession. Of the Sacraments. The Water of Life; The Westminster Confession of Faith. AD 1647. CHAP. I. -II. 3 (II. 1). Letter xvi. Charity. The Desire of the Righteous Granted; Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility Huss and Jerome. Huss and Jerome 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 |
    |