Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Meaning:The term "prudently" refers to acting with or showing care and thought for the future. It involves wisdom, discretion, and careful judgment in managing one's affairs. In a biblical context, prudence is often associated with wisdom and is considered a virtue that guides believers in making decisions that align with God's will.
Biblical References:The concept of prudence is woven throughout the Scriptures, often linked with wisdom and understanding. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for prudence is often translated as "wisdom" or "discretion." In the New Testament, the Greek equivalent carries similar connotations.
1.
Proverbs 8:12 : "I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion." This verse personifies wisdom and prudence as companions, highlighting their close relationship. Prudence is depicted as an essential aspect of wisdom, necessary for discerning and making sound decisions.
2.
Proverbs 14:8 : "The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them." Here, prudence is associated with the ability to discern one's path, contrasting with the folly that leads to deception. This emphasizes the importance of prudence in navigating life's complexities.
3.
Proverbs 22:3 : "The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences." This proverb illustrates the foresight and caution that characterize prudence. The prudent person anticipates potential dangers and takes appropriate action to avoid harm.
4.
Matthew 7:24 : "Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." While the term "prudently" is not explicitly used, the principle is evident. Acting on Jesus' teachings with foresight and wisdom is akin to building a solid foundation, demonstrating prudence in spiritual matters.
Theological Significance:Prudence is a key aspect of Christian living, as it involves aligning one's actions with God's wisdom. It requires a thoughtful consideration of the consequences of one's actions and a commitment to living in a way that honors God. Prudence is not merely about self-preservation but about making choices that reflect a deep understanding of God's purposes.
Prudence in Christian Life:In practical terms, prudence guides believers in various aspects of life, including financial stewardship, relationships, and moral decisions. It encourages a balanced approach that avoids impulsiveness and recklessness. The prudent believer seeks God's guidance through prayer and Scripture, aiming to make decisions that reflect His character and will.
Examples of Prudence in Scripture:·
Joseph (Genesis 41): Joseph's prudent management of Egypt's resources during the years of plenty and famine exemplifies foresight and wise stewardship.
·
Nehemiah (Nehemiah 2): Nehemiah's careful planning and strategic approach to rebuilding Jerusalem's walls demonstrate prudence in leadership.
Conclusion:Prudence is a vital virtue for believers, enabling them to navigate life's challenges with wisdom and discernment. It is closely tied to the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom (
Proverbs 9:10). By cultivating prudence, Christians can make decisions that honor God and reflect His wisdom in their lives.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
adv.) In a prudent manner.
Greek
5430. phronimos -- sensibly... sensibly. Part of Speech: Adverb Transliteration: phronimos Phonetic Spelling:
(fron-im'-oce) Short Definition: wisely, sensibly,
prudently Definition: wisely
...4996. sophronos -- with sound mind
... Adverb Transliteration: sophronos Phonetic Spelling: (so-fron'-oce) Short Definition:
soberly, with moderation Definition: soberly, with moderation,prudently....
3562. nounechos -- sensibly, discreetly
... discreetly. Adverb from a comparative of the accusative case of nous and echo; in
a mind-having way, iePrudently -- discreetly. see GREEK nous. see GREEK echo....
878. aphron -- without reason, foolish
... 5424 , "inner perspective as it regulates behavior") -- properly, perspective because ,
ie lacking the "over-all picture" (perspective) needed to actprudently...
Strong's Hebrew
7919. sakal -- to be prudent... Short Definition: consider. consider, expert, instruct, prosper, deal
prudently,
give skillful, have good success, teach, A primitive
...Library
He Has Endeavoured, Indeed, to Brand us with the Stain of this...
... But, whether I have erred or actedprudently, he at all events can lay
his finger on no act of mine by which he can convict me....
The Unjust Steward
... But it is said"he commended him for having acted wisely. Now that word "wisely"
may merely meanprudently, sensibly, and with common sense....
What the Ruler's Discrimination Should be Between Correction and...
... It should be known too that the vices of subjects ought sometimes to beprudently
connived at, but indicated in that they are connived at; that things, even...
To Urban vi
... I beg you, most holy father, that as you have begun so you will continue to meet
with them often, and to bind themprudently with the bands of love....
Whether an Advocate Sins by Defending an Unjust Cause?
... Reply to Objection 3: As stated above ([2944]Q[40], A[3]), it is lawful for a soldier,
or a general to lay ambushes in a just war, byprudently concealing what...
To Messer Ristoro Canigiani
... which it asks of God, is always fulfilled. Now we see what we ought to seek,
and howprudently. It seems to me that the Sweet Primal...
Jesus, the Great Object of Astonishment.
... A COMMUNION ADDRESS AT MENTONE. "Behold, My Servant shall dealprudently,
He shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high. As...
Chapter xlviii
... The verb might come from the root which means "to deal wisely orprudently," and
then the Piel meaning might be "to do (it) purposely," or "guiding his hand...
David's Weakness
... So he fed them with a faithful and true heart, and ruled themprudently with all
his power. I am about to preach to you four sermons on the character of David....
The Second Sermon, in the Afternoon.
... The children of the world conceive and bring forth moreprudently; and things conceived
and brought forth they nourish and conserve with much more policy than...
Thesaurus
Prudently (4 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Prudently (4 Occurrences). Luke 16:8 And the lord
praised the unrighteous steward because he had done
prudently.
...Prudent (40 Occurrences)
... corn in season? (DBY YLT). Luke 16:8 And the lord praised the unrighteous
steward because he had doneprudently. For the sons of...
Understandeth (24 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS). Proverbs 19:25 A scorner smite, and the simple actsprudently, And give
reproof to the intelligent, He understandeth knowledge. (YLT)....
Getting (151 Occurrences)
... buy corn" (Nehemiah 5:2, 3); "get you no" for "provide neither" (Matthew 10:9);
"getteth prudence" for "is prudent," margin "dealethprudently" (Proverbs 15:5...
Wisely (60 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (adv.) In a wise manner;prudently; judiciously; discreetly;
with wisdom. Multi-Version Concordance Wisely (60 Occurrences)....
Extolled (6 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV). Isaiah 52:13 Behold, my servant shall dealprudently,
he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high. (KJV WBS)....
Mammon (4 Occurrences)
... Wealth, Jesus teaches, does not really belong to men, but as stewards they
may use wealthprudently unto their eternal advantage....
Prune (2 Occurrences)
Get (2204 Occurrences)
... buy corn" (Nehemiah 5:2, 3); "get you no" for "provide neither" (Matthew 10:9);
"getteth prudence" for "is prudent," margin "dealethprudently" (Proverbs 15:5...
Respect (204 Occurrences)
... Luke 16:8 And the lord commended the unrighteous steward that he didprudently,
because the sons of this age are more prudent than the sons of the light, in...
Resources
What is Pelagianism? | GotQuestions.orgFinancial crisis - what's a Christian to do? | GotQuestions.orgPrudently: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
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