Topical Encyclopedia Prudence, as a virtue, is highly esteemed in the biblical narrative, often associated with wisdom, foresight, and the ability to make sound judgments. The concept of prudence is exemplified in the account of the "poor wise man," a parable found in the book of Ecclesiastes, which highlights the value of wisdom over wealth and power.Biblical Reference: The account of the poor wise man is recounted in Ecclesiastes 9:13-16 : "I have also seen this wisdom under the sun, and it was great to me: There was a small city with few men in it, and a great king came against it, surrounded it, and built large siege works against it. Now a poor wise man was found in the city, and he saved the city by his wisdom. Yet no one remembered that poor man. And I said, 'Wisdom is better than strength, but the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are no longer heeded.'" Analysis: The narrative of the poor wise man serves as a profound illustration of the biblical principle that wisdom, though often undervalued, is more powerful than physical might or material wealth. The account underscores the transient nature of human recognition and the tendency of society to overlook those who lack material resources, despite their invaluable contributions. Prudence in the Old Testament: Prudence is frequently associated with wisdom literature in the Old Testament, particularly in the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. Proverbs 8:12 states, "I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion." Here, prudence is personified alongside wisdom, suggesting that true wisdom inherently includes the quality of prudence—careful and sensible management of affairs. Prudence in the New Testament: In the New Testament, prudence is reflected in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus often spoke in parables that emphasized the importance of wise and prudent living. For instance, in the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), the prudent virgins are those who prepare for the bridegroom's arrival, symbolizing the necessity of readiness and foresight in spiritual matters. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, prudence is seen as a gift from God, enabling believers to navigate the complexities of life with discernment and integrity. It is a virtue that calls for a balance between knowledge and action, ensuring that decisions are made with careful consideration of their consequences. Prudence and Christian Living: In Christian living, prudence is essential for making moral and ethical decisions. It involves the application of biblical principles to everyday situations, guiding believers to act in ways that honor God and reflect His wisdom. The Apostle Paul, in Ephesians 5:15-16 , exhorts believers to "be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." Conclusion: The account of the poor wise man in Ecclesiastes serves as a timeless reminder of the enduring value of wisdom and prudence. Despite the world's tendency to overlook the humble and the poor, Scripture affirms that true wisdom, characterized by prudence, holds the power to effect change and deliverance, transcending the limitations of earthly status and recognition. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ecclesiastes 9:15Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Now I Thought at that Time that all Men were Judged Worthy of the ... A Reason is Given Why this Book did not Open with a Discussion of ... Whether Solicitude Belongs to Prudence? Of Divine Wisdom. Proverbs The Birth of Saint George. The Hebrew Sages and their Proverbs Of Scoffing and Derision. The Rich and the Poor Blessed are the Poor in Spirit 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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