Topical Encyclopedia Prudence, often understood as the ability to govern and discipline oneself through the use of reason, is a virtue highly esteemed in biblical literature. In the context of King Solomon, prudence is a defining characteristic that underscores his reign and wisdom. Solomon, the son of King David and Bathsheba, is renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, most notably the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem.Solomon's Request for Wisdom The narrative of Solomon's prudence begins with his request for wisdom from God. In 1 Kings 3:5-9 , God appears to Solomon in a dream and invites him to ask for whatever he desires. Solomon, acknowledging his youth and inexperience, requests an "understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil" (1 Kings 3:9). This request pleases God, who grants Solomon not only wisdom but also riches and honor, making him unparalleled among kings. Demonstrations of Prudence Solomon's prudence is vividly illustrated in the famous account of the two women who came to him with a dispute over a living child (1 Kings 3:16-28). Solomon's proposal to divide the child in two reveals his deep understanding of human nature and his ability to discern the true mother, thereby administering justice with great wisdom. The Book of Proverbs, traditionally attributed to Solomon, is a testament to his prudential wisdom. 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 is inherently prudent. Solomon's Writings on Prudence Solomon's writings frequently extol the virtues of prudence. In Proverbs 14:8 , it is written, "The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them." This proverb emphasizes the foresight and careful consideration that characterize prudence, contrasting it with the shortsightedness of folly. Furthermore, Proverbs 22:3 states, "The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences." Here, prudence is depicted as the ability to anticipate potential dangers and take appropriate action to avoid them, a quality that Solomon himself demonstrated in his governance and decision-making. Prudence in Governance Solomon's prudence extended to his administrative and diplomatic endeavors. His ability to form alliances, such as his marriage to Pharaoh's daughter (1 Kings 3:1), and his extensive trade networks contributed to the prosperity and stability of Israel during his reign. Solomon's prudent management of resources and labor is evident in the successful completion of the Temple and other significant building projects. The Limits of Prudence Despite his renowned wisdom, Solomon's later years reveal the limits of prudence when not coupled with obedience to God's commandments. His marriages to foreign women led him to idolatry, as recorded in 1 Kings 11:1-8 , which ultimately resulted in the division of the kingdom after his death. This serves as a sobering reminder that prudence, while valuable, must be aligned with faithfulness to God. In summary, Solomon's life and writings provide a rich tapestry of insights into the nature and application of prudence. His legacy as a wise and prudent king continues to offer guidance and instruction for those seeking to live with discernment and foresight. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Chronicles 2:12Huram said moreover, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, that made heaven and earth, who has given to David the king a wise son, endued with prudence and understanding, that might build an house for the LORD, and an house for his kingdom. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Men Entrust their Safety Rather to a Just than to a Prudent Man. . ... How Solomon Fortified the City of Jerusalem, and Built Great ... The First Source of Duty is Prudence, from Whence Spring Three ... Thy Neck is as a Tower of ivory; Thine Eyes Like the Fish-Pools in ... Nothing Has Greater Effect in Gaining Good-Will than Giving Advice ... The History of Solomon True Prudence Of David's Reign and Merit; and of his Son Solomon, and that ... How Anger Should be Repressed. Concerning the Wife of Solomon; Concerning his Wisdom and Riches ... 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 |
    |