Topical Encyclopedia Prudence is a virtue highly esteemed in the Christian tradition, often associated with wisdom, foresight, and the ability to judge and act rightly in any given situation. It is considered one of the cardinal virtues, essential for living a life that is pleasing to God and beneficial to others. In the Bible, prudence is frequently linked with knowledge and understanding, guiding believers to make decisions that align with God's will.Biblical Foundation The concept of prudence is deeply rooted in Scripture. Proverbs 8:12 personifies wisdom, stating, "I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion." This verse highlights the close relationship between wisdom and prudence, suggesting that true wisdom cannot exist without the practical application of prudent judgment. In the New Testament, Jesus Himself exemplifies prudence in His teachings and actions. In Matthew 10:16 , He advises His disciples, "Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." Here, Jesus encourages His followers to exercise prudence by being shrewd, or wise, in their dealings with the world while maintaining their innocence and purity. Prudence in the Lives of Saints The saints of the Bible provide numerous examples of prudence in action. Joseph, the son of Jacob, is a prime example. Despite being sold into slavery and later imprisoned, Joseph's prudent management of resources during Egypt's years of plenty and famine (Genesis 41:33-36) not only saved a nation but also reconciled him with his family. His ability to foresee the future needs and act accordingly demonstrates the essence of prudence. Another notable example is the Apostle Paul, who exercised prudence in his missionary journeys and epistles. In Acts 17:22-23 , Paul addresses the Athenians at the Areopagus with careful consideration of their cultural context, saying, "Men of Athens, I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and examined your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: To an unknown god. Therefore what you worship as something unknown, I now proclaim to you." Paul's prudent approach allowed him to connect with his audience and effectively communicate the Gospel. Prudence in Christian Living For Christians today, prudence remains a vital virtue. It involves discerning God's will and making choices that reflect His wisdom. James 1:5 encourages believers to seek wisdom from God: "Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." This promise assures Christians that God is the source of all wisdom and prudence, ready to guide those who seek Him. Prudence also requires a careful evaluation of circumstances and a thoughtful consideration of potential outcomes. Proverbs 14:15 warns, "The simple man believes every word, but the prudent man watches his steps." This verse underscores the importance of discernment and caution in decision-making, urging believers to be thoughtful and deliberate in their actions. In summary, prudence is a hallmark of the saints, guiding them to act wisely and in accordance with God's will. Through the examples of biblical figures and the teachings of Scripture, Christians are called to cultivate this virtue, seeking God's wisdom and applying it in their daily lives. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 112:5A good man shows favor, and lends: he will guide his affairs with discretion. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Whether all the virtues that are Together in one Man, are Equal? Whether Charity Can be Without Moral virtue? The Twenty-First Article they Absolutely Condemn, Because we do ... Second Great Group of Parables. The Necessity of Diligently Seeking the Saints' Rest. Perseverance of Saints. On Prayer and The Contemplative Life How a Man's Conduct Comes Home to Him On the Feast of a Holy Bishop Of the Supreme Effect of Affective Love, which is the Death of the ... 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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