Topical Bible: Prudence: The Wise Celebrated For

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Prudence, a virtue highly esteemed in the biblical narrative, is often associated with wisdom, discernment, and the ability to govern and discipline oneself through the use of reason. It is a quality that enables individuals to make sound judgments and decisions, aligning their actions with God's will and moral law. The Bible frequently highlights prudence as a characteristic of the wise, contrasting it with the folly of the unwise.

Biblical References and Context

The Book of Proverbs, a key source of wisdom literature in the Bible, frequently extols the virtue of prudence. Proverbs 8:12 states, "I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion." Here, prudence is personified alongside wisdom, suggesting an intrinsic link between the two. Prudence is not merely about cautiousness but involves a deeper understanding and insight that guides righteous living.

In Proverbs 14:8 , the prudent are described as those who "understand their way," indicating that prudence involves a thoughtful consideration of one's path and actions. This understanding is contrasted with the folly of the simple, who are easily led astray. The prudent person is celebrated for their ability to foresee potential outcomes and avoid unnecessary pitfalls, as seen in Proverbs 22:3 : "The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences."

Prudence in Leadership and Governance

Prudence is also a critical quality for leaders and those in positions of authority. The Bible provides numerous examples of leaders who exemplified prudence in their governance. King Solomon, renowned for his wisdom, is a prime example. When God offered Solomon anything he desired, Solomon requested wisdom to govern his people effectively (1 Kings 3:9). His prudent decision-making is celebrated throughout his reign, particularly in his judgments and the prosperity of Israel under his leadership.

Joseph, another biblical figure, demonstrated prudence in his role as a leader in Egypt. His ability to interpret Pharaoh's dreams and devise a plan to store grain during years of plenty ensured the survival of Egypt and surrounding nations during the subsequent famine (Genesis 41:33-36). Joseph's prudence not only saved countless lives but also elevated him to a position of great authority and respect.

Prudence in Personal Conduct

Prudence is not limited to leaders but is a virtue that all believers are encouraged to cultivate. In the New Testament, Jesus commends prudence in the parable of the wise and foolish builders (Matthew 7:24-27). The wise builder, who constructs his house on the rock, is likened to one who hears and acts on Jesus' words, demonstrating prudence through obedience and foresight.

The Apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of prudence in the Christian life. In Ephesians 5:15-16 , he exhorts believers to "be very careful how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." Prudence, in this context, involves living with intentionality and making choices that reflect one's faith and commitment to God's purposes.

Prudence and Spiritual Discernment

Prudence is closely related to spiritual discernment, enabling believers to distinguish between good and evil, truth and falsehood. In Philippians 1:9-10 , Paul prays that the love of the Philippians "may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best." This discernment is a hallmark of prudence, guiding believers to live lives that are pure and blameless.

In summary, prudence is a celebrated virtue in the Bible, exemplified by wise leaders and encouraged in the lives of all believers. It involves careful consideration, foresight, and alignment with God's will, leading to a life marked by wisdom and discernment.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 16:21
The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increases learning.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Providence of God.
... On this occasion the philosopher rises into that celebrated sentiment, that ... ortune
favours still the wise and brave ... had a great share both of prudence and good ...
/.../sect iii the providence of.htm

To My Fellow Presbyter, Timothy, Dionysius the Presbyter.
... in our approach to the higher glories by prudence and piety ... place any confidence
in the All Wise and most ... many of the Theologians, who have celebrated It, not ...
/.../dionysius/dionysis on divine names/caput i to my fellow.htm

Antichrist in Daniel
... and earth, who hath given to David the king a wise son, endued with prudence"
(2:Chron ... This forms a part of the celebrated prophecy of the seventy "weeks ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/4 antichrist in daniel.htm

To Master Raimondo of Capua of the Order of the Preachers
... in the garden of Holy Church, in different wise than in ... of all the Family, and have
Mass celebrated before Him ... your heart with holy and true prudence; and that ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/to master raimondo of capua 2.htm

Whether Idolatry is Rightly Reckoned a Species of Superstition?
... as a man is said to be wise in respect ... to belong to "civil theology," which was
celebrated by the ... true religion, and to idolatry: just as prudence is applied ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether idolatry is rightly reckoned.htm

On Pleasing all Men
... One celebrated tract of this kind, entitled "The Courtier ... to all men, especially
to wise and good men ... your courtesy may vary, as Christian prudence will direct ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 100 on pleasing all.htm

The Accession of Darius.
... of the second speaker in this celebrated consultation was ... have either the sagacity
to form wise counsels, or ... so large as to preclude prudence and deliberation ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/darius the great/chapter iv the accession of.htm

Paul in Athens.
... a nature, to have been surmounted by human courage and prudence. ... Athens was the most
celebrated city of Greece. ... "Professing themselves to be wise, they became ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xx paul in athens.htm

The Case of Reason Impartially Considered
... motives; such as ought to influence a wise man. ... word to be understood in the celebrated
question concerning ... his cattle, and to act with prudence and propriety ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 70 the case of.htm

The Letter of the Synod, Relative to Its Decisions: and the ...
... the whole habitable earth are accounted wise, should be ... Wherefore it is becoming
your prudence to make such ... solar year), so that they celebrated two Passovers ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of scholasticus/chapter ix the letter of the.htm