Topical Encyclopedia Prudence is a virtue highly esteemed in the Bible, often associated with wisdom, discernment, and careful judgment. It involves the ability to govern and discipline oneself through the use of reason, and it is considered essential for living a life that is pleasing to God.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, prudence is frequently linked with wisdom and understanding. The Book of Proverbs, a key source of wisdom literature, emphasizes the importance of prudence in several passages. Proverbs 8:12 states, "I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion." Here, prudence is personified alongside wisdom, suggesting that the two are inseparable companions in the pursuit of a righteous life. Prudence is also highlighted in the context of planning and foresight. Proverbs 14:8 notes, "The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deceit." This verse underscores the prudent person's ability to carefully consider their path and make decisions that align with God's will. New Testament References In the New Testament, prudence continues to be a valued trait. Jesus Himself commends prudence in His teachings. In the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), the wise virgins are described as prudent because they prepared adequately for the bridegroom's arrival, unlike the foolish virgins who were unprepared. This parable illustrates the importance of being spiritually vigilant and prepared for the coming of the Lord. The Apostle Paul also speaks of prudence in his epistles. In Ephesians 1:8, Paul writes about the grace of God, "that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding." The term "understanding" here can be interpreted as prudence, indicating that God's grace enables believers to live wisely and make prudent decisions. Prudence in Christian Living Prudence is essential for Christians as they navigate the complexities of life. It involves making decisions that reflect a deep understanding of God's will and a commitment to living according to His commandments. Prudence requires a balance of knowledge, experience, and insight, allowing believers to act with discretion and avoid the pitfalls of impulsive or reckless behavior. The prudent person is characterized by their ability to foresee potential consequences and act accordingly. This foresight is not merely human wisdom but is informed by a relationship with God and a deep understanding of His Word. As Proverbs 22:3 states, "The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences." Prudence and the Fear of the Lord The foundation of prudence is the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). A reverent awe of God leads to a life marked by careful consideration and wise decision-making. The prudent individual seeks to honor God in all aspects of life, recognizing that true wisdom and understanding come from Him. In summary, prudence is a vital attribute for believers, enabling them to live wisely and in accordance with God's will. It is a quality that reflects a mature faith and a deep commitment to following Christ. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) Wisdom in the way of caution and provision; discretion; carefulness; hence, also, economy; frugality.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia PRUDENCE; PRUDENTproo'-dens, proo'-dent: In the Old Testament "prudence" is the translation of `ormah (Proverbs 8:12); also in the King James Version of sekhel (2 Chronicles 2:12, the Revised Version (British and American) "discretion"); and "prudent" is the translation of `arum, "subtle" (Proverbs 12:16, 23; Proverbs 13:16, etc.; compare Genesis 3:1 Job 5:12), and of bin (1 Samuel 16:18, the Revised Version margin "skillful"; Proverbs 16:21; Proverbs 18:15 Isaiah 5:21; Isaiah 10:13, the American Standard Revised Version "understanding," etc.), with other words. In the New Testament "prudence" occurs once as the translation of phronesis (Ephesians 1:8); "prudent" is in the King James Version the translation of sunetos, changed in the Revised Version (British and American) to "understanding" (Matthew 11:25 Acts 13:7); in 1 Corinthians 1:19, the American Standard Revised Version has "the discerning," the English Revised Version retains "prudent." In its etymological sense of seeing beforehand (contraction of "providence"), "prudence" does not occur in the New Testament. As forethought, foresight, prudence was reckoned one of the cardinal virtues by the ancient ethical writers. See the remarks of Coleridge on its lower and higher character in his Aids to Reflection, Aphor. 29. Greek 5428. phronesis -- understanding, practical wisdom ... phronesis Phonetic Spelling: (fron'-ay-sis) Short Definition: understanding Definition: understanding (which leads to right action), practical wisdom, prudence ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5428.htm - 7k 4908. sunetos -- intelligent 217. halas and hala -- salt 4995. sophronismos -- self-control Strong's Hebrew 6195. ormah -- craftiness, prudence... 6194, 6195. ormah. 6196 . craftiness, prudence. Transliteration: ormah Phonetic Spelling: (or-maw') Short Definition: prudence. ... /hebrew/6195.htm - 6k 7922. sekel -- prudence, insight 6098. etsah -- counsel, advice 5843. eta -- counsel Library Whether Prudence is a virtue? Whether Prudence is in the Cognitive or in the Appetitive Faculty? Whether Prudence is in us by Nature? Prudence and Faith Whether Prudence of the Flesh is a Mortal Sin? Whether Prudence of the Flesh is a Sin? Whether Prudence Can be in Sinners? Whether a Species of Prudence is Regnative? Whether Prudence is a Special virtue? Prudence. Thesaurus Prudence (9 Occurrences)... (n.) Wisdom in the way of caution and provision; discretion; carefulness; hence, also, economy; frugality. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. PRUDENCE; PRUDENT. ... /p/prudence.htm - 11k Prudent (40 Occurrences) Discretion (20 Occurrences) Subtil (3 Occurrences) Subtlety (3 Occurrences) Subtilty (9 Occurrences) Subtle (5 Occurrences) Simple (40 Occurrences) Tongues (67 Occurrences) Proverbs (11 Occurrences) 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 Concordance Prudence (9 Occurrences)Ephesians 1:8 2 Chronicles 2:12 Proverbs 1:4 Proverbs 8:5 Proverbs 8:12 Proverbs 15:5 Proverbs 19:25 Isaiah 29:14 Daniel 2:14 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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