Topical Encyclopedia Prudence is a virtue highly esteemed in the biblical tradition, often associated with wisdom, foresight, and the ability to make sound judgments. It is the quality that enables individuals to foresee potential dangers and take appropriate actions to avoid them. In the Scriptures, prudence is frequently linked with righteousness and is considered a hallmark of a wise and discerning person.Biblical Foundation The concept of prudence is deeply rooted in the wisdom literature of the Bible. Proverbs, in particular, extols the virtue of prudence as essential for living a life that honors God. Proverbs 22:3 states, "The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences." This verse highlights the ability of the prudent to anticipate and avoid evil, contrasting it with the folly of those who ignore warning signs and suffer as a result. Similarly, Proverbs 14:8 declares, "The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them." Here, prudence is associated with discernment and the capacity to navigate life's complexities with insight and understanding. Prudence in Action Prudence is not merely theoretical but is demonstrated through action. The prudent person is characterized by careful planning and thoughtful decision-making. This is evident in the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13, where the wise virgins are prepared with extra oil for their lamps, while the foolish ones are not. The prudent virgins foresee the possibility of delay and take measures to ensure they are ready when the bridegroom arrives. In the New Testament, Jesus Himself advises His followers to exercise prudence. In Matthew 10:16 , He instructs, "Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." This call to be shrewd, or prudent, underscores the importance of being aware of one's surroundings and acting wisely in the face of potential threats. Prudence and Righteousness Prudence is closely linked with righteousness in the biblical narrative. The prudent person not only avoids evil but also seeks to live in accordance with God's will. This is evident in the life of Joseph, who, through prudence and divine guidance, rises to a position of power in Egypt and saves many lives during a time of famine (Genesis 41). The Apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of prudence in the Christian life. In Ephesians 5:15-16 , he exhorts believers, "Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Here, prudence is portrayed as a necessary quality for navigating a world filled with moral and spiritual challenges. Prudence and the Fear of the Lord The foundation of prudence is the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). A reverent awe of God leads to a life marked by careful consideration and avoidance of sin. The prudent person recognizes the consequences of straying from God's path and seeks to align their actions with His commandments. In summary, prudence is a vital attribute for those who seek to live wisely and righteously. It involves foresight, discernment, and the ability to avoid evil by making choices that honor God. Through prudence, believers are equipped to navigate the complexities of life, ensuring that their actions reflect the wisdom and righteousness that come from a deep relationship with the Lord. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 22:3A prudent man foresees the evil, and hides himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Whether Caution Should be Reckoned a Part of Prudence? Letter xviii. Marriage. A Preface to the Reader. Of the Discipline of the Church, and Its Principal Use in Censures ... The Use of Money Latitudinarian Churchmanship. Causes of the Reformation The Religious Revolution Chaldaean Civilization Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ... Resources What does the Bible mean when it tells us to fear not / do not fear? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” sermon? | GotQuestions.org What can we learn from the tribe of Issachar? | 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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