Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, prudence is generally regarded as a virtue, characterized by wisdom, foresight, and the ability to make sound judgments. However, when prudence is exercised by the wicked, it becomes a tool for deceit and manipulation, ultimately leading to condemnation by God. The prudence of the wicked is not aligned with divine wisdom but is instead rooted in self-interest and malice.Scriptural References The Bible provides numerous instances where the prudence of the wicked is denounced. In Isaiah 5:21, the prophet declares, "Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight." This verse highlights the folly of those who rely on their own understanding rather than seeking God's wisdom. The prudence of the wicked is often characterized by arrogance and a false sense of security, which leads to their downfall. In the book of Proverbs, the contrast between godly wisdom and the cunning of the wicked is a recurring theme. Proverbs 14:12 warns, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." Here, the prudence of the wicked is depicted as a path that appears wise but ultimately leads to destruction. The wicked may believe they are acting shrewdly, but their plans are futile against the sovereign will of God. Jeremiah 8:9 further illustrates this point: "The wise will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. Since they have rejected the word of the LORD, what wisdom do they really have?" The prudence of the wicked is exposed as folly when it is measured against the eternal truth of God's word. Those who reject divine instruction in favor of their own cunning are destined for shame and ruin. The Nature of Wicked Prudence The prudence of the wicked is often marked by deceit and treachery. In Psalm 10:2, the psalmist laments, "In pride the wicked pursue the needy; let them be caught in the schemes they devise." The wicked use their prudence to exploit and oppress others, devising schemes that serve their own interests at the expense of the vulnerable. This self-serving prudence is an affront to God's justice and mercy. Moreover, the prudence of the wicked is short-sighted, focusing on immediate gains rather than eternal consequences. In Luke 16:8, Jesus tells the parable of the shrewd manager, noting, "For the sons of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the sons of light." While the wicked may appear clever in worldly matters, their prudence lacks the eternal perspective that characterizes true wisdom. Divine Judgment God's denunciation of the prudence of the wicked is ultimately a call to repentance and a return to His ways. In 1 Corinthians 3:19, the Apostle Paul writes, "For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: 'He catches the wise in their craftiness.'" The prudence of the wicked is rendered powerless before the omniscience of God, who sees through their schemes and brings their plans to naught. The Bible consistently affirms that true wisdom and prudence are found in the fear of the Lord and obedience to His commandments. The prudence of the wicked, though it may seem effective for a time, is ultimately denounced by God and leads to judgment. As believers, the call is to seek wisdom from above, aligning our understanding and actions with the eternal truths of Scripture. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 5:21Woe to them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 29:15 Library On Corrupting the Word of God Letter xxii. (AD 392. ) Paul Before the Council. False Professors Solemnly Warned Huss and Jerome. Huss and Jerome Ananias and Sapphira. Concerning Esther and Mordecai and Haman; and How in the Reign of ... Of Evil-Speaking in General. Luther Before the Diet. 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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