Topical Bible: Prudence: They Who Have: Look Well to Their Goings

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Topical Encyclopedia

Prudence is a virtue highly esteemed in the biblical tradition, often associated with wisdom, foresight, and careful judgment. It involves the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason. In the Scriptures, prudence is frequently linked with the concept of looking well to one's goings, implying a thoughtful consideration of one's path and actions.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 14:15 : "The simple man believes every word, but the prudent man watches his steps." This verse highlights the contrast between the simple and the prudent. The prudent individual exercises discernment and does not accept everything at face value. Instead, they carefully evaluate their steps, ensuring that their actions align with wisdom and righteousness.

2. Proverbs 22:3 : "The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences." Prudence involves the ability to foresee potential dangers and take appropriate measures to avoid them. This foresight is a hallmark of the prudent, who are able to navigate life's challenges with wisdom and caution.

3. Proverbs 13:16 : "Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his folly." Here, prudence is associated with acting based on knowledge and understanding. The prudent person seeks to inform their actions with insight and comprehension, contrasting with the fool who acts without consideration.

4. Proverbs 19:8 : "He who gains wisdom loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will find success." Prudence is closely related to wisdom and understanding, which are seen as pathways to success and well-being. The prudent individual values and seeks wisdom, recognizing its importance for a fulfilling life.

5. Proverbs 21:5 : "The plans of the diligent bring plenty, as surely as haste leads to poverty." Prudence involves careful planning and diligence. The prudent person is not hasty but takes the time to consider their actions and their potential outcomes, leading to prosperity and success.

Characteristics of Prudence:

· Discernment: The ability to judge well and make decisions that reflect wisdom and understanding.
· Foresight: The capacity to anticipate potential challenges and prepare accordingly.
· Caution: A careful approach to decision-making, avoiding rash or impulsive actions.
· Knowledge: A commitment to gaining and applying knowledge in all areas of life.
· Diligence: A persistent and careful effort in planning and executing actions.

Prudence in Practice:

Prudence is not merely an abstract concept but a practical virtue that influences daily life. Those who possess prudence are characterized by their thoughtful approach to decision-making, their ability to foresee and avoid potential pitfalls, and their commitment to living in accordance with wisdom. They are often seen as reliable and trustworthy, as their actions are guided by careful consideration and sound judgment.

In the biblical context, prudence is a reflection of one's relationship with God, as it involves aligning one's actions with divine wisdom and understanding. The prudent individual seeks to honor God through their choices, recognizing that true wisdom comes from Him.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 14:15
The simple believes every word: but the prudent man looks well to his going.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

'de Profundis'
... Out of the deep have I cried ... Not to himself, his own learning, talents, wealth, prudence,
to pull him ... the dearest friend he had on earth; for they had forsaken ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon viii de profundis.htm

False Profession.
... that you have neither wisdom nor prudence to order ... They look as if they were blasted,
withered, cast out ... stay," said the Interpreter, "till I have showed thee ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xx false profession.htm

Out of the Deep of Doubt, Darkness, and Hell.
... He cried to God"not to himself, his own learning, prudence, talents"to ... one we meet
with love, almost with pity, because they too may have been down ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/out of the deep/v out of the deep.htm

'Is it I?'
... What I do is 'prudence,' what you do of the ... of evil, however tentative and timorous
they may be ... Men have lived for years consistent professing Christians, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/is it i.htm

2 Cor. xii. 11
... your pardon, forgive me this fault.' And observe his prudence. ... are gardeners, that
are husbandmen, how they all concur ... I planted, thou oughtest to have watered ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxvii 2 cor xii.htm

Letter cxviii. (AD 410. )
... in which there is more pride than prudence the worn ... Who would look upon them as entitled
to be esteemed ... When, however, I consider that they have even dared to ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter cxviii a d 410.htm

The General Conference of 1836
... are assured that, from the known prudence by which ... be perceived by those who will
look at that ... our decided disapprobation of the measures they have pursued to ...
/.../chapter 13 the general conference.htm

Lydia, the First European Convert
... are to seek to win souls with as much earnestness, and prudence, and zeal ... a dreadful
plight, and some of them hardly know where they are I have known them ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/lydia the first european convert.htm

The Barren Fig-Tree;
... For thy sake have the people stumbled at religion; by thy life have they been kept
from the love of their own ... Well, barren fig-tree, look to thyself, thou ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the barren fig-tree.htm

"The Tender Mercy of Our God"
... He hath abounded towards us in all wisdom and prudence. ... sin of the world." Look and
live; look, and be ... in all our churches and chapels as they have ever been. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/the tender mercy of our.htm