Prudence: The Scribe
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Prudence, while not a named figure in the canonical texts of the Bible, represents a concept deeply embedded in the wisdom literature and teachings of Scripture. The term "prudence" itself is often associated with wisdom, discernment, and the careful management of one's actions and decisions in accordance with God's will. In the context of a scribe, Prudence can be seen as an embodiment of the ideal qualities that a scribe should possess—wisdom, careful attention to detail, and a deep understanding of God's law.

Biblical Context and Meaning

The concept of prudence is frequently mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the wisdom literature. 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 involves not only knowledge but also the ability to apply that knowledge in practical and godly ways.

In the role of a scribe, prudence would be essential. Scribes in biblical times were responsible for copying and preserving the Scriptures, teaching the law, and sometimes serving as advisors. Their work required meticulous attention to detail and a profound respect for the sacred texts. A prudent scribe would approach these tasks with reverence, ensuring accuracy and fidelity to the original manuscripts.

Prudence in Action

The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who exemplified prudence in their actions. While not explicitly called "Prudence," figures such as Joseph, Daniel, and Nehemiah demonstrated prudential qualities in their leadership and decision-making.

Joseph, for instance, displayed prudence in his management of Egypt's resources during the years of plenty and famine. His ability to interpret Pharaoh's dreams and implement a strategic plan saved countless lives (Genesis 41:33-36). Joseph's prudence was rooted in his faithfulness to God and his understanding of the times.

Similarly, Daniel exhibited prudence in his interactions with Babylonian and Persian rulers. His wisdom and discretion earned him a place of influence, and he navigated complex political situations with integrity and insight (Daniel 6:3-4).

Nehemiah, tasked with rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, demonstrated prudence through careful planning and leadership. He assessed the situation, motivated the people, and addressed opposition with wisdom and courage (Nehemiah 2:11-18).

Prudence in the New Testament

In the New Testament, prudence is also emphasized as a virtue for believers. Jesus, in His teachings, often highlighted the importance of wise and prudent living. In the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), the prudent virgins are those who prepared adequately for the bridegroom's arrival, symbolizing readiness and foresight in spiritual matters.

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, encouraged believers to live prudently, making the most of every opportunity and understanding the Lord's will (Ephesians 5:15-17). Prudence, in this sense, involves living a life that reflects God's wisdom and purpose.

The Role of Prudence in Christian Life

For Christians today, prudence remains a vital attribute. It involves seeking God's guidance in decision-making, being mindful of the consequences of one's actions, and striving to live in a way that honors God. Prudence calls for a balance between knowledge and action, ensuring that one's life aligns with biblical principles.

In the metaphorical sense of "Prudence: The Scribe," believers are encouraged to be diligent in their study of Scripture, careful in their interpretation, and faithful in their application of God's Word. Just as a scribe would meticulously copy the sacred texts, Christians are called to inscribe God's truth upon their hearts and live it out with wisdom and discernment.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Mark 12:32-34
And the scribe said to him, Well, Master, you have said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Ezra, the Priest and Scribe
... commandments of the Lord, and of His statutes to Israel;" "a scribe of the ... of God,
however, did not make unnecessary the exercise of prudence and forethought. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 50 ezra the priest.htm

1 Cor. I. 18-20
... For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the prudence of the
prudent will I reject. Where is the Wise? Where is the Scribe? ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily iv 1 cor i.htm

The World's Wages to a Prophet
... cause me not to return to the house of Jonathan the scribe, lest I ... exodus from Jerusalem
when the Assyrian lines were deserted, and common prudence would have ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the worlds wages to a.htm

That the Kingdom of God is not in the Wisdom of the World, nor in ...
... For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and I will reprove the
prudence of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/69 that the kingdom of.htm

Next, Darius, under whom the Temple was Restored, Obtained the ...
... as his bodyguard, and of these had, from the proof of his prudence which he ... At the
same time, Esdras the scribe, who was skilled in the law, about twenty years ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter x next darius under.htm

Letter clxiv. To Leo Augustus.
... For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and the prudence of the
prudent will I reject. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/letter clxiv to leo augustus.htm

How it is that Porphyry Has Been So Blind as not to Recognize the ...
... what the holy prophets truly predicted regarding Him: "I will destroy the wisdom
of the wise, and bring to nought the prudence of the ... where is the scribe? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 28 how it is that.htm

The Friends of Jesus
... lips, some unsympathizing critic, or perhaps some hostile scribe, interrupted Him ...
early training and restraints of conscience, from temporal prudence or dread ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 3 31-35 the friends of.htm

Concerning Esther and Mordecai and Haman; and How in the Reign of ...
... I have been kindly informed by Haman, who, on account of his prudence and justice ...
that might be of advantage to his kingdom, he commanded the scribe to bring ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 concerning esther and.htm

On the Government of God
... some plausibility that Gennadius may actually have written VIII, and a scribe
mis-copied ... was more than once endangered by the lack of prudence and co??peration ...
/.../salvian/on the government of god/iv on the government of.htm

Resources
What are the seven cardinal virtues? | GotQuestions.org

What 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 ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Prudence

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

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: Daniel

Prudence: David

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: Gamaliel

Prudence: General Scriptures Concerning

Prudence: Gideon

Prudence: Going to the Feast Secretly

Prudence: His Lack of

Prudence: Intimately Connected With Wisdom

Prudence: Jacob

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

Prudence: Jethro's Advice to Moses

Prudence: Joseph

Prudence: Joseph, in his Conduct Toward Mary

Prudence: Joseph, in the Affairs of Egypt

Prudence: Nehemiah

Prudence: Nehemiah, in Conduct of Affairs at Jerusalem

Prudence: Paul

Prudence: Paul and Barnabas, in Escaping Persecution

Prudence: Paul and Silas, in Escaping from Berea

Prudence: Peter, in Escaping from Herod Agrippa I

Prudence: Rehoboam's Advisers

Prudence: Saints Act With

Prudence: Saints should Especially Exercise, in Their Intercourse With

Prudence: Saul, in not Killing the Jabesh-Gileadites

Prudence: Sergius Paulus

Prudence: Solomon

Prudence: The Israelites, in the Threatened War With the Two and One-Half Tribes

Prudence: The Poor Wise Man

Prudence: The Scribe

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

Prudent (40 Occurrences)

Discretion (20 Occurrences)

Subtil (3 Occurrences)

Subtlety (3 Occurrences)

Subtilty (9 Occurrences)

Subtle (5 Occurrences)

Simple (40 Occurrences)

Tongues (67 Occurrences)

Proverbs (11 Occurrences)

Sirach

Nabal (18 Occurrences)

Getting (151 Occurrences)

Getteth (11 Occurrences)

Witty (1 Occurrence)

Wondrously (6 Occurrences)

Insight (39 Occurrences)

Ingenious (1 Occurrence)

Inventions (8 Occurrences)

Foresight (2 Occurrences)

Flog (7 Occurrences)

Fools (53 Occurrences)

Tact (1 Occurrence)

Thoughtless (17 Occurrences)

Reproof (29 Occurrences)

Reproved (20 Occurrences)

Reflection (3 Occurrences)

Eunice (1 Occurrence)

Endued (7 Occurrences)

Devices (43 Occurrences)

Despises (16 Occurrences)

Marvelously (4 Occurrences)

Get (2204 Occurrences)

Providence (3 Occurrences)

Prowls (2 Occurrences)

Policy (3 Occurrences)

Betray (29 Occurrences)

Correction (26 Occurrences)

Caution (2 Occurrences)

Counsel (192 Occurrences)

Ar'i-och (4 Occurrences)

Arioch (6 Occurrences)

Abounded (6 Occurrences)

Abigail (18 Occurrences)

Areopagus (3 Occurrences)

Smitest (5 Occurrences)

Superlative (2 Occurrences)

Sage (1 Occurrence)

Share (138 Occurrences)

Scoffer (11 Occurrences)

Abound (36 Occurrences)

Wherein (208 Occurrences)

Appeal (30 Occurrences)

Shows (42 Occurrences)

Bodyguard (23 Occurrences)

Heeds (9 Occurrences)

Drunkenness (10 Occurrences)

Headless (1 Occurrence)

Fire (602 Occurrences)

Hebrews (24 Occurrences)

Ishmael (44 Occurrences)

Wisdom (320 Occurrences)

Rebuke (77 Occurrences)

Learn (76 Occurrences)

Josiah (51 Occurrences)

Fool (95 Occurrences)

Husband (154 Occurrences)

Education (4 Occurrences)

Keys (2 Occurrences)

David (1052 Occurrences)

Gain (142 Occurrences)

Power (862 Occurrences)

Epistles (2 Occurrences)

Thessalonians (6 Occurrences)

Daniel (74 Occurrences)

Paul (207 Occurrences)

Anem (1 Occurrence)

Solomon (277 Occurrences)

Consist (7 Occurrences)

Second (2060 Occurrences)

Prudence: The Poor Wise Man
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