Topical Encyclopedia Prudence is a virtue highly esteemed in the biblical narrative, often associated with wisdom, foresight, and careful judgment. In the context of virtuous wives, prudence is a guiding principle that influences their actions, decisions, and interactions within the family and community. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that highlight the importance of prudence in the life of a virtuous woman.Biblical Foundation The concept of prudence is deeply rooted in the wisdom literature of the Bible. Proverbs 31, a well-known passage describing the attributes of a virtuous wife, implicitly underscores the role of prudence. The passage portrays a woman who is industrious, wise, and capable, managing her household with skill and foresight. Proverbs 31:26 states, "She opens her mouth with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue" . This verse illustrates how prudence manifests in her speech and guidance, reflecting a heart aligned with God's wisdom. Prudence in Action Prudence in a virtuous wife is evident through her ability to make sound decisions that benefit her household. Proverbs 14:1 declares, "The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down" . A prudent wife is one who builds her home through careful planning, resource management, and nurturing relationships. Her actions are characterized by a thoughtful approach that seeks the well-being of her family. Examples of Prudence The Bible provides examples of women who acted with prudence, serving as models for virtuous wives. Abigail, the wife of Nabal, is a notable example. In 1 Samuel 25, Abigail demonstrates prudence by intervening to prevent David from taking vengeance on her household. Her quick thinking and wise counsel avert disaster, showcasing her ability to act with discernment and tact. Another example is found in the account of Ruth. Ruth's loyalty and prudent actions in gleaning the fields and approaching Boaz demonstrate her commitment to her family and her understanding of the cultural and legal customs of her time. Her prudence ultimately leads to her becoming the great-grandmother of King David, highlighting the far-reaching impact of her wise decisions. Prudence and Faith Prudence is closely linked to faith, as it requires trust in God's guidance and provision. A virtuous wife who acts with prudence does so with an understanding that her wisdom is a gift from God. James 1:5 encourages believers to seek wisdom from God: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him" . A prudent wife relies on prayer and divine guidance to navigate the complexities of life, ensuring her actions align with God's will. Conclusion Prudence is an essential virtue for virtuous wives, enabling them to act with wisdom, foresight, and careful judgment. Through biblical teachings and examples, the importance of prudence is emphasized as a means of building a strong, God-honoring household. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 31:16,26She considers a field, and buys it: with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Ephesians vi. 14-17 The Morality of the Gospel. Saint Helena and the Time of Constantine Paul in Corinth. The Princesses of the Comneni Christian Behavior 1 Timothy v. 8 Book ii. Carey's Immediate Influence in Great Britain and America Book I. 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 |