Topical Encyclopedia Prudence is a virtue that involves the ability to govern and discipline oneself through the use of reason. In the biblical context, prudence is often associated with wisdom, discernment, and the careful consideration of one's actions in accordance with God's will. The Book of Proverbs frequently extols the value of prudence, as seen in Proverbs 8:12 : "I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion."Sergius Paulus is a notable figure in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Acts. He was the proconsul of Cyprus during the first missionary journey of the Apostle Paul and Barnabas. Sergius Paulus is described as an intelligent and discerning man, which aligns with the biblical understanding of prudence. In Acts 13:6-12 , Paul and Barnabas encounter Sergius Paulus in Paphos, where he summons them to hear the word of God. The passage reads: "When they had traveled through the whole island as far as Paphos, they came upon a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus, who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. The proconsul, seeking to hear the word of God, summoned Barnabas and Saul." Sergius Paulus's prudence is evident in his desire to hear the word of God, demonstrating an openness to truth and a willingness to seek wisdom beyond the prevailing pagan beliefs of his time. His discernment is further highlighted when he witnesses the confrontation between Paul and Elymas the sorcerer, who attempts to turn the proconsul away from the faith. Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, rebukes Elymas, causing him to become temporarily blind. Acts 13:12 states: "When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was astonished at the teaching about the Lord." The conversion of Sergius Paulus is significant as it marks one of the first recorded instances of a Roman official embracing the Christian faith. His prudence allowed him to recognize the truth of the Gospel, despite the opposition and deceit he faced from Elymas. This event underscores the importance of prudence in discerning truth and making decisions that align with God's purposes. Sergius Paulus's encounter with Paul and Barnabas serves as a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel and the role of prudence in guiding individuals toward faith. His account encourages believers to seek wisdom and understanding, to be open to the truth of God's word, and to exercise discernment in their spiritual journey. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 13:7Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Acts XIII Acts xiii. 4, 5 1 John iv. 16-Dec The Ordination of Paul and Barnabas; their Missionary Tour in Asia ... The Evidences of Christianity, Deduced from the New Testament ... 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 |