Topical Bible: Prudence: The Young should Cultivate

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Prudence is a virtue highly esteemed in the biblical tradition, often associated with wisdom, discernment, and the ability to govern oneself with sound judgment. For the young, cultivating prudence is particularly emphasized as it lays a foundation for a life that honors God and navigates the complexities of the world with integrity and foresight.

Biblical Definition and Importance

Prudence, in the biblical sense, involves the ability to make careful and wise decisions, considering the long-term consequences of one's actions. It is closely linked with wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 8:12 : "I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion." Here, prudence is personified alongside wisdom, indicating its integral role in a life that seeks understanding and righteousness.

Prudence in Youth

The Scriptures encourage young people to seek and cultivate prudence. Proverbs 1:4 states that the proverbs are given "to impart prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young." This verse highlights the importance of prudence as a guiding principle for youth, providing them with the tools necessary to navigate life's challenges and avoid the pitfalls of impulsive or reckless behavior.

Examples and Encouragements

The Bible provides numerous examples and exhortations for young people to embrace prudence. In the account of Joseph, we see a young man who exercises prudence in his dealings with Potiphar's wife, choosing to flee from temptation rather than succumb to it (Genesis 39:7-12). His prudent decision-making ultimately leads to his rise in power and influence in Egypt.

The Apostle Paul, in his letters to Timothy, a young pastor, emphasizes the importance of sound judgment and self-control. In 2 Timothy 1:7 , Paul writes, "For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." Here, self-discipline can be understood as an aspect of prudence, encouraging young believers to exercise control over their actions and decisions.

Prudence and Peer Influence

Young people often face significant peer pressure, which can lead to imprudent choices. The Bible warns against the influence of foolish companions, as seen in Proverbs 13:20 : "He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed." This proverb underscores the importance of surrounding oneself with wise and prudent individuals who can positively influence one's path.

Prudence in Speech and Conduct

Prudence also extends to speech and conduct. James 1:19 advises, "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger." This counsel encourages young people to think carefully before speaking or acting, ensuring that their words and actions reflect wisdom and understanding.

The Role of Parents and Mentors

Parents and mentors play a crucial role in instilling prudence in the young. Proverbs 22:6 instructs, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." Through teaching, example, and guidance, older generations can help the young develop the prudence necessary for a life that honors God and serves others effectively.

In summary, prudence is a vital virtue for the young to cultivate, as it equips them with the wisdom and discernment needed to navigate life's challenges and make decisions that align with God's will. Through the study of Scripture, the influence of wise mentors, and a commitment to self-discipline, young people can grow in prudence and live lives marked by integrity and purpose.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 3:21
My son, let not them depart from your eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Caution against Various Temptations, by which the Young Convert ...
... ensnaring to any, and especially to young persons, to ... by diligence in business, and
by prudence and frugality in ... allows, but requires, that you should, on all ...
/.../the rise and progress of religion in the soul/chapter xxi a caution against.htm

part ii.
... memory, as well as the goodness of the young man ... I should not call this a harsh judgment
of them ... letters which I have received from your prudence were extremely ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/part ii 2.htm

Letter xviii. Marriage.
... rashest youth, however, will learn prudence by experience. ... known among your
acquaintances, anything should occur to ... characters and feelings of young persons ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter xviii marriage.htm

Letter xvi. Charity.
... multitude of years should teach wisdom." Young persons sometimes ... unless the good
of others should require their ... It does not, indeed, forbid prudence and caution ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter xvi charity.htm

Book ii.
... in an ability to persuade men, and in prudence of conduct. ... It also says that the
young men should pay due ... he possibly could, both that we should not dissolve ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/against apion/book ii.htm

The Rival Empresses --Pulcheria and Eudocia
... when Theodosius, in his fifteenth year, should attain his ... attributed it to her
extraordinary prudence, which was ... The young prince, influenced by the example of ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/x the rival empressespulcheria and.htm

The New Crusade --Serampore and the Brotherhood
... he is a young man still." It was a wrench to ... history of prices, and show how her
"prudence" combined with ... and that the product of their labour should form a ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter v the new crusadeserampore.htm

Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness ...
... Therefore the young, who can still be led, should be ... when they declared that though
Christ should be exalted ... that what is called wisdom and prudence on earth ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/third sunday after trinity humility.htm

Contentment
... Prudence at once and Fortitude it gives; ... by way of a notice, to this effect:""A young
man who has ... in exhorting you to be contented; and yet why should I ask ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/contentment.htm

Tenth Commandment
... use it as a cloke, and call it prudence, and foresight ... empty itself into the pond;
if you should see him ... or disrespect for authority; tempting the young man to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/tenth commandment.htm