Topical Encyclopedia Prudence is a virtue highly esteemed in the biblical narrative, often associated with wisdom, foresight, and the careful management of one's actions and decisions. It is the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason, and it is considered essential for living a life that is pleasing to God and beneficial to oneself and others.Biblical Foundation The concept of prudence is woven throughout the Scriptures, where it is frequently linked with wisdom. In the Old Testament, the Book of Proverbs is particularly rich with references to prudence. Proverbs 8:12 states, "I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion." Here, prudence is personified alongside wisdom, indicating its integral role in the acquisition of knowledge and the exercise of discretion. Prudence is also highlighted in Proverbs 14:8, "The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them." This verse underscores the prudent person's ability to navigate life with discernment, contrasting it with the folly that leads others astray. Prudence in Practice Prudence involves careful thought and planning, as seen in the parable of the wise and foolish builders in Matthew 7:24-27. Jesus illustrates the prudence of building one's house on a solid foundation, symbolizing the importance of grounding one's life in His teachings. The prudent builder is preserved through the storms, while the foolish one suffers loss. In the New Testament, prudence is also evident in the teachings of the Apostle Paul. In Ephesians 5:15-16, Paul exhorts believers, "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." Here, prudence is linked with wisdom and the strategic use of time, emphasizing the need for vigilance and intentionality in a world fraught with moral and spiritual challenges. Preservation through Prudence The preservation of those who exercise prudence is a recurring theme in Scripture. Proverbs 22:3 states, "The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences." This verse highlights the protective nature of prudence, as it enables individuals to foresee potential dangers and take appropriate action to avoid harm. Prudence also plays a role in financial stewardship, as seen in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30). The prudent servants who wisely invest their master's resources are rewarded, while the one who acts out of fear and fails to act prudently is reprimanded. This parable illustrates the principle that prudent management of resources leads to preservation and blessing. Prudence and the Fear of the Lord At the heart of biblical prudence is the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). The fear of the Lord instills a reverence for God's commandments and a desire to live in accordance with His will. This foundational attitude informs all prudent decisions, ensuring that they align with divine principles and lead to spiritual preservation. In summary, prudence is a vital attribute for those seeking to live a life of wisdom and foresight. It is a safeguard against the pitfalls of life, enabling individuals to navigate challenges with discernment and integrity. Through prudence, believers are preserved, both in their earthly endeavors and in their spiritual journey toward eternal life. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 2:11Discretion shall preserve you, understanding shall keep you: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Whether by Being Sanctified in the Womb the Blessed virgin was ... The Hebrew Sages and their Proverbs On the Coming of Our Lord in the Flesh; Its Nature and Cause. The "Little Knife" Insurrection Of Mortification of Fear and Scrupulosity, which is the Most ... Of Liberality. ... Paul in Corinth. Of the Words or the Voice that came from Heaven Upon Him when He ... The Ecclesiastical Writers. By "The Fathers" we Understand the ... The Surrender of Gischala; While John Flies Away from it to ... 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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