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 ReferencesIn 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 ReferencesIn 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 LivingPrudence 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 LordThe 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.; compareGenesis 3:1Job 5:12), and of bin (1 Samuel 16:18, the Revised Version margin "skillful";Proverbs 16:21;Proverbs 18:15Isaiah 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 11:25Acts 13:7); in1 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.
W. L. Walker
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...4908. sunetos -- intelligent
... more neutral. But even here it doesn't reflect theprudence (intelligence)
that comes directly from the Holy Spirit.]. Word Origin...
217. halas and hala -- salt
... Word Origin from hals Definition salt NASB Word Usage salt (8). salt. From hals;
salt; figuratively,prudence -- salt. see GREEK hals. (ala) -- 1 Occurrence....
4995. sophronismos -- self-control
... sophronismos Phonetic Spelling: (so-fron-is-mos') Short Definition: self-control,
self-discipline Definition: self-control, self-discipline,prudence....
Strong's Hebrew
6195. ormah -- craftiness,prudence... 6194, 6195. ormah. 6196 . craftiness,
prudence. Transliteration: ormah
Phonetic Spelling: (or-maw') Short Definition:
prudence.
...7922. sekel --prudence, insight
sekel or sekel. 7921, 7922. sekel or sekel. 7923 .prudence, insight.
Transliteration: sekel or sekel Phonetic Spelling: (seh'-kel) Short Definition:...
6098. etsah -- counsel, advice
... advice, advisement, counselor, purpose. From ya'ats; advice; by implication, plan;
alsoprudence -- advice, advisement, counsel(l-(or)), purpose....
5843. eta -- counsel
... Word Origin (Aramaic) from yaet Definition counsel NASB Word Usage discretion (1).
counsel. (Aramaic) from y'at,;prudence -- counsel. see HEBREW y'at,....
Library
WhetherPrudence is a virtue?
... TREATISE ON THE CARDINAL VIRTUES (QQ -170)OFPRUDENCE, CONSIDERED IN ITSELF
(SIXTEEN ARTICLES) Whetherprudence is a virtue? Objection...
WhetherPrudence is in the Cognitive or in the Appetitive Faculty?
... TREATISE ON THE CARDINAL VIRTUES (QQ -170)OFPRUDENCE, CONSIDERED IN ITSELF (SIXTEEN
ARTICLES) Whetherprudence is in the cognitive or in the appetitive faculty...
WhetherPrudence is in us by Nature?
... TREATISE ON THE CARDINAL VIRTUES (QQ -170)OFPRUDENCE, CONSIDERED IN ITSELF
(SIXTEEN ARTICLES) Whetherprudence is in us by nature?...
Prudence and Faith
... THE SECOND BOOK OF CHRONICLESPRUDENCE AND FAITH....Prudence is all right, but when
prudence takes command and presumes to guide conscience, then it is all wrong....
WhetherPrudence of the Flesh is a Mortal Sin?
... OF VICES OPPOSED TOPRUDENCE BY WAY OF RESEMBLANCE (EIGHT ARTICLES) Whether
prudence of the flesh is a mortal sin? Objection 1: It...
WhetherPrudence of the Flesh is a Sin?
... OF VICES OPPOSED TOPRUDENCE BY WAY OF RESEMBLANCE (EIGHT ARTICLES) Whether
prudence of the flesh is a sin? Objection 1: It would...
WhetherPrudence Can be in Sinners?
... TREATISE ON THE CARDINAL VIRTUES (QQ -170)OFPRUDENCE, CONSIDERED IN ITSELF
(SIXTEEN ARTICLES) Whetherprudence can be in sinners?...
Whether a Species ofPrudence is Regnative?
... OF THE SUBJECTIVE PARTS OFPRUDENCE (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether a species
ofprudence is regnative? Objection 1: It would seem that...
WhetherPrudence is a Special virtue?
... TREATISE ON THE CARDINAL VIRTUES (QQ -170)OFPRUDENCE, CONSIDERED IN ITSELF
(SIXTEEN ARTICLES) Whetherprudence is a special virtue?...
Prudence.
... CHRISTIAN CHARACTER AND LIFE. 352. "Prudence. 352. CM Watts.Prudence.
1 O, 't is a lovely thing to see A man of prudent heart...
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.
...Prudent (40 Occurrences)
... any line of conduct; practically wise; judicious; careful; discreet; sensible; --
opposed to rash; as, a prudent man; dictated or directed byprudence or wise...
Discretion (20 Occurrences)
... of being discreet; wise conduct and management; cautious discernment, especially
as to matters of propriety and self-control;prudence; circumspection; wariness...
Subtil (3 Occurrences)
... 13:3, chakham, "wise," "Jonadab was a very subtle (the American Standard Revised
Version "subtle") man" (discreet); Proverbs 1:4, `ormah, "prudence," "to give...
Subtlety (3 Occurrences)
... 13:3, chakham, "wise," "Jonadab was a very subtle (the American Standard Revised
Version "subtle") man" (discreet); Proverbs 1:4, `ormah, "prudence," "to give...
Subtilty (9 Occurrences)
... 13:3, chakham, "wise," "Jonadab was a very subtle (the American Standard Revised
Version "subtle") man" (discreet); Proverbs 1:4, `ormah, "prudence," "to give...
Subtle (5 Occurrences)
... 13:3, chakham, "wise," "Jonadab was a very subtle (the American Standard Revised
Version "subtle") man" (discreet); Proverbs 1:4, `ormah, "prudence," "to give...
Simple (40 Occurrences)
... Proverbs 1:4 to giveprudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to
the young man: (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT RSV NIV)....
Tongues (67 Occurrences)
... These qualities are such as: knowledge and wisdom, zeal andprudence,
confidence and devotion, boldness and love. skill and tact....
Proverbs (11 Occurrences)
... discretion. It impresses upon us in the most forcible manner the value
of intelligence andprudence and of a good education. The...
Resources
What are the seven cardinal virtues? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a husbandman in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about common sense? | GotQuestions.orgPrudence: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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