Topical Encyclopedia Prudence is a virtue highly esteemed in the Bible, often associated with wisdom, discernment, and the ability to govern and discipline oneself through the use of reason. It is the quality of being cautious and judicious, making decisions that are not only wise but also aligned with God's will. Those who possess prudence are often described as being crowned with knowledge, as they demonstrate an understanding that goes beyond mere intelligence, reflecting a deep, spiritual insight.Biblical References: 1. Proverbs 8:12 : "I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion." This verse personifies wisdom and prudence as companions, indicating that true wisdom is inseparable from prudent action. The prudent person is one who seeks knowledge and exercises discretion, making choices that reflect a deep understanding of God's principles. 2. Proverbs 14:8 : "The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them." Here, prudence is linked with the ability to discern one's path. The prudent individual carefully considers their steps, ensuring that their actions align with God's guidance, while fools are led astray by their lack of insight. 3. Proverbs 22:3 : "The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences." This proverb highlights the foresight of the prudent, who recognize potential dangers and take appropriate measures to avoid them. In contrast, the simple, lacking prudence, continue on a perilous path and face the repercussions. 4. Proverbs 13:16 : "Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his folly." Prudence is characterized by informed action. The prudent person gathers knowledge and applies it wisely, while the fool acts without understanding, revealing their lack of wisdom. 5. Proverbs 19:14 : "Houses and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD." This verse underscores the divine value of prudence, particularly in the context of a prudent spouse. Such a partner is seen as a blessing from God, contributing to the stability and prosperity of the household. Theological Insights: Prudence is not merely a human attribute but is deeply rooted in the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). It involves a reverent acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and a commitment to living according to His statutes. The prudent person is one who seeks God's guidance in all matters, understanding that true knowledge and wisdom come from Him. In the New Testament, prudence is reflected in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. For instance, in the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), the wise virgins are prudent, preparing for the bridegroom's arrival, while the foolish ones are unprepared. This parable illustrates the importance of spiritual readiness and foresight, qualities inherent in prudence. The Apostle Paul also emphasizes the need for prudence in the Christian life. In Ephesians 5:15-16 , he exhorts believers to "walk circumspectly, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." This call to live wisely and prudently is a reminder of the importance of making the most of every opportunity in alignment with God's will. Prudence in Practice: Prudence manifests in various aspects of life, including decision-making, financial stewardship, relationships, and spiritual growth. It involves careful planning, thoughtful consideration of consequences, and a willingness to seek counsel from God and wise individuals. The prudent person is characterized by humility, recognizing their dependence on God's wisdom rather than relying solely on their understanding. In summary, prudence is a crown of knowledge for those who possess it, enabling them to navigate life's complexities with wisdom and grace. It is a gift from God, cultivated through a life committed to His teachings and a heart attuned to His voice. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 14:18The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Providence of God. The Gnostic Aims at the Nearest Likeness Possible to God and his ... Philemon i. 6-Apr The Sea of Glass To Messer Ristoro Canigiani Demonstration xxii. --Of Death and the Latter Times. The Last Interview of Paul with the Elders of Ephesus. The Counsel of Gamaliel. Contentment The Necessity of Diligently Seeking the Saints' Rest. 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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