Prudence
Summary
Prudence is the practical wisdom of suiting words and actions to circumstances according to right reason, reckoned among the cardinal virtues and essential to the proper exercise of all other virtues.
☩Definition and Nature
Prudence is the ability to judge what is best in the choice of both ends and means. It is a conformity to the rules of reason, truth, and decency at all times and in all circumstances. It differs from wisdom only in degree—wisdom being a more consummate habit of prudence. Aquinas placed it among the cardinal virtues, noting it qualifies the intellect to discern what is virtuous and how to attain it.
☩Christ's Prudence
Jesus demonstrated prudence by withdrawing from danger when His time had not yet come. He departed to Galilee when Herod imprisoned John, withdrew to the sea when opposition grew, and avoided Judaea when passions were stirred against Him. This was not fear but wisdom—His hour was not yet come. Life, not death, was then necessary for His mission. Yet when duty clearly called, He entered danger secure in the Father's providence.
☩Biblical Examples
Scripture provides many examples of prudence: Jacob's careful approach to Esau; Joseph's administration of Egypt; Jethro's advice to Moses about delegation; the Israelites' wise inquiry before war with the two-and-a-half tribes; Daniel's tactful request regarding the king's food. Jesus taught His disciples to count the cost of discipleship and to be wise as serpents yet harmless as doves.
☩Relationship to Other Virtues
Cicero observed that 'not one of the virtues can lack prudence.' Without prudence to guide them, piety degenerates into superstition, zeal into bigotry, temperance into austerity, courage into rashness, and justice itself into folly. Prudence has been called the vowel to morality's consonant—the latter cannot be uttered without the former.
Related Verses103 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Prudence," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VIII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.Charles G. Herbermann et al. (ed.), "Prudence," in The Catholic Encyclopedia, vol. XII (Robert Appleton Company, 1907–1912).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Prudence," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).