Topical Encyclopedia Prudence is a virtue that is highly esteemed in the Christian life, often associated with wisdom, discernment, and careful judgment. It is the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason, and it is particularly important for saints in their interactions with others. The Bible provides numerous exhortations and examples that highlight the necessity of prudence in the life of a believer.Biblical Foundation The concept of prudence is deeply rooted in Scripture. Proverbs 8:12 states, "I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion." Here, prudence is closely linked with wisdom, suggesting that it is an essential component of a wise life. The prudent person is one who seeks understanding and acts with foresight. In the New Testament, Jesus Himself advises His followers to be prudent. In Matthew 10:16 , He instructs, "Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." This call to be shrewd, or prudent, underscores the need for believers to navigate the world with both wisdom and integrity. Prudence in Interpersonal Relationships Prudence is particularly vital in the context of interpersonal relationships. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often emphasizes the importance of wise conduct among believers and in their interactions with non-believers. In Colossians 4:5-6 , he writes, "Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Here, prudence is linked with gracious speech and the effective use of time, indicating that it involves thoughtful and considerate interaction with others. The Book of Proverbs offers numerous insights into the role of prudence in relationships. Proverbs 12:16 notes, "A fool’s anger is known at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult." This highlights the prudent person's ability to maintain composure and exercise restraint, avoiding unnecessary conflict. Prudence in Decision-Making Prudence is also crucial in decision-making processes. The prudent individual seeks counsel and considers the consequences of their actions. Proverbs 15:22 states, "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." This verse underscores the importance of seeking wise counsel and making informed decisions, a hallmark of prudence. In the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), Jesus illustrates the importance of being prepared and prudent. The five wise virgins, who took oil in jars along with their lamps, were ready when the bridegroom arrived, while the foolish ones were not. This parable serves as a reminder of the necessity of foresight and preparation in the Christian life. Prudence in Spiritual Matters Prudence extends beyond earthly matters to spiritual ones. Believers are called to be discerning in their spiritual walk, testing everything and holding fast to what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21). This discernment is a form of prudence that protects the believer from false teachings and guides them in truth. The Apostle Peter advises believers to be sober-minded and watchful, recognizing the spiritual battles they face (1 Peter 5:8). Prudence in spiritual matters involves vigilance and a readiness to stand firm in faith. Conclusion Prudence is an essential virtue for saints, guiding them in their interactions with others, in decision-making, and in their spiritual journey. It is a reflection of wisdom and discernment, enabling believers to navigate the complexities of life with grace and integrity. Through the exercise of prudence, Christians are better equipped to fulfill their calling and bear witness to the truth of the Gospel. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 10:16Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the middle of wolves: be you therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ephesians 5:15 Colossians 4:5 Library Directions How to Lead a Heavenly Life Upon Earth. Swedenborgians, Or, the New Jerusalem Church. Letter xvi. Charity. On the Great Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria. From the Close of the General Conference of 1808, to the ... Centenary Commemoration Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ... Book I. Introductory Notice Respecting Tauler's Life and Times On the Death of his Father. 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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