Topical Encyclopedia Prudence, often understood as the ability to govern and discipline oneself through the use of reason, is a virtue that is exemplified in the life and leadership of Nehemiah, a prominent figure in the Old Testament. Nehemiah's account is primarily found in the Book of Nehemiah, where he serves as a model of prudent leadership, faithfulness, and dedication to God's purposes.Background and Context Nehemiah was a Jewish cupbearer to King Artaxerxes I of Persia during the 5th century BC. His position was one of significant trust and influence, as he was responsible for serving wine to the king and ensuring its safety. Despite his comfortable position in the Persian court, Nehemiah was deeply concerned about the welfare of his people and the desolate condition of Jerusalem, the city of his ancestors. Prudence in Action 1. Discernment and Planning: Nehemiah's prudence is first evident in his response to the news of Jerusalem's broken walls. Upon hearing of the city's plight, Nehemiah wept, fasted, and prayed, seeking God's guidance (Nehemiah 1:4). His initial reaction was not impulsive; instead, he took time to discern the situation and plan his course of action. This period of prayer and reflection highlights the importance of seeking divine wisdom before undertaking significant tasks. 2. Strategic Request: When Nehemiah approached King Artaxerxes to request permission to rebuild Jerusalem's walls, he did so with careful thought and preparation. He presented a well-considered plan, including a timeline and specific requests for resources (Nehemiah 2:4-8). His ability to articulate his needs clearly and strategically demonstrates prudence in navigating political and bureaucratic systems. 3. Leadership and Organization: Upon arriving in Jerusalem, Nehemiah conducted a discreet inspection of the walls at night, assessing the damage without drawing attention (Nehemiah 2:11-16). This cautious approach allowed him to gather information and formulate a plan without interference. He then organized the people, assigning specific sections of the wall to different families and groups, ensuring efficient and cooperative work (Nehemiah 3). 4. Handling Opposition: Nehemiah faced significant opposition from surrounding enemies, including Sanballat and Tobiah, who sought to undermine the rebuilding efforts. Nehemiah's response was marked by prudence; he combined prayer with practical measures, such as setting guards and arming the workers (Nehemiah 4:9, 13). His ability to balance faith and action exemplifies prudent leadership in the face of adversity. 5. Addressing Internal Issues: Nehemiah also demonstrated prudence in addressing internal social injustices among the Jews. When he learned of the exploitation of the poor through usury, he confronted the nobles and officials, urging them to fear God and act justly (Nehemiah 5:6-13). His decisive action restored social harmony and reinforced the community's commitment to God's laws. 6. Sustained Focus and Integrity: Throughout the rebuilding process, Nehemiah remained focused on his mission, refusing to be distracted by false invitations and threats (Nehemiah 6:2-4). His integrity and commitment to God's work were unwavering, reflecting a prudent prioritization of divine purposes over personal safety or gain. Biblical References · Nehemiah 1:4 : "When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven." · Nehemiah 2:4-8 : Nehemiah's request to King Artaxerxes. · Nehemiah 4:9 : "So we prayed to our God and posted a guard against them day and night." · Nehemiah 5:6-13 : Nehemiah's confrontation with the nobles regarding usury. · Nehemiah 6:2-4 : Nehemiah's refusal to be distracted by his enemies. Nehemiah's life and leadership provide a compelling example of prudence in action, demonstrating how careful planning, strategic thinking, and unwavering faith can lead to the successful fulfillment of God's purposes. His account continues to inspire believers to exercise prudence in their own lives, balancing faith with reason and action. Torrey's Topical Textbook Nehemiah 2:12-16And I arose in the night, I and some few men with me; neither told I any man what my God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem: neither was there any beast with me, save the beast that I rode on. Torrey's Topical Textbook Nehemiah 4:13-18 Library A Man of Opportunity Discouragements and Courage The Builders on the Wall Ezra, the Priest and Scribe Centenary Commemoration of the Consecration of Bishop Seabury. ... How to Make Use of Christ for Taking the Guilt of Our Daily Out ... Expositions of Holy Scripture Of the Discipline of the Church, and Its Principal Use in Censures ... The Fourth Season, The Church of Christ 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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