Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, prudence is often associated with wisdom, discernment, and the ability to make sound judgments. However, when prudence is exercised by the wicked, it is ultimately flawed and destined to fail, especially in times of perplexity and crisis. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that illustrate the futility of wicked prudence.Biblical Examples and Teachings 1. Pharaoh's Hardened Heart: In the book of Exodus, Pharaoh's prudence is demonstrated in his initial attempts to control and manipulate the Israelites through oppression and deceit. Despite his cunning strategies, his prudence fails in the face of God's power. Exodus 7:13 states, "Still, Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said." Pharaoh's reliance on his own wisdom leads to his downfall, as he is unable to comprehend or withstand the divine will. 2. The Counsel of Ahithophel: Ahithophel, a counselor to King David, is renowned for his wisdom. However, his prudence turns wicked when he sides with Absalom in rebellion against David. In 2 Samuel 17:14 , it is written, "Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, 'The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.' For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel, in order to bring disaster upon Absalom." Despite his reputation, Ahithophel's advice is ultimately rejected, and his prudence fails, leading to his demise. 3. The Rich Fool: Jesus' parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:16-21 highlights the futility of wicked prudence. The rich man, in his self-sufficiency, plans to store up his wealth for future security, saying to himself, "Soul, you have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy; eat, drink, and be merry!" (Luke 12:19). However, God calls him a fool, as his life is demanded of him that very night. His prudence, focused solely on earthly gain, fails in the ultimate moment of perplexity—his death. 4. The Builders of Babel: The account of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11:1-9 illustrates the failure of collective wicked prudence. The people, in their arrogance, seek to build a tower to the heavens to make a name for themselves. Their prudence, rooted in pride and defiance against God, results in confusion and dispersion. Genesis 11:8 states, "So the LORD scattered them from there over the face of all the earth, and they stopped building the city." Theological Insights The prudence of the wicked is inherently flawed because it is based on human wisdom rather than divine guidance. Proverbs 14:12 warns, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." The wicked rely on their own understanding, which is limited and often contrary to God's will. In times of perplexity, when human wisdom is insufficient, the wicked find their prudence inadequate and their plans thwarted. The failure of wicked prudence serves as a reminder of the necessity of seeking God's wisdom and guidance. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." True prudence is rooted in a reverent fear of the Lord and a commitment to His ways, ensuring stability and success even in the most perplexing times. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 49:7Concerning Edom, thus said the LORD of hosts; Is wisdom no more in Teman? is counsel perished from the prudent? is their wisdom vanished? Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Statute of David for the Sharing of the Spoil Luther Before the Diet. Luther Before the Diet The Life, as Amplified by Mediaeval Biographers. Introduction. Chapter i. --The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of ... Resources What are the seven cardinal virtues? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a husbandman in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about common sense? | 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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