Prudence is an important concept in the Bible that relates to wisdom, discretion, and sound judgment. As Christians seeking to walk faithfully with God, growing in biblical prudence is essential. In this comprehensive blog post, we will explore what the Bible teaches about prudence, its characteristics, and why it matters.
Introduction
The word “prudence” appears 15 times in the Bible, exclusively in the books of Proverbs, Isaiah, Daniel, Matthew, and Acts. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word translated as prudence is `’ārmâ” which means “shrewdness” or “prudence.” In the New Testament, the Greek word is “phronēsis” meaning “wisdom” and “practical judgment.”
Key takeaways on the biblical meaning of prudence:
- Prudence is practical wisdom and discretion that leads to good judgment
- Prudent people carefully consider their actions and the potential consequences
- Prudence applies moral wisdom to everyday living
- Prudence leads to self-control, upright behavior, and a good reputation
- Imprudence leads to shame, disaster, and a bad reputation
- Developing prudence requires learning, discipline, and heeding instruction
- The fear of the Lord is the foundation for learning biblical prudence
The Bible portrays prudence as valuable wisdom that allows us to carefully assess situations and make sound decisions that lead to blessings rather than disaster. As the book of Proverbs repeatedly emphasizes, prudent choices lead to life, while foolish choices lead to death. Prudence is practical moral wisdom grounded in the fear of the Lord.
Characteristics of Prudence
The Bible highlights various attributes and characteristics of a prudent person. Let’s explore some of the key qualities associated with biblical prudence:
Careful Deliberation
“The prudent gives thought to his steps.” (Proverbs 14:15)
Prudent people carefully consider their words, actions, and decisions. They do not act rashly or impulsively, but take time to contemplatively weigh potential courses along with possible risks and outcomes. As Proverbs 14:8 states, “The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways.”
Discretion and Discernment
“Discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you.” (Proverbs 2:11)
A distinguishing mark of prudence is judicious discernment concerning right and wrong. Prudent people can “perceive the way of the Lord” and demonstrate moral discretion to choose what is good and upright. (Isaiah 5:21). They have keen spiritual perception to distinguish truth from error.
Self-Control
“A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.” (Proverbs 25:28)
Prudence implies governing one’s passions and appetites rather than being controlled by them. Prudent individuals exhibit sober self-control, which serves as a protective wall around their life. They are not easily tempted by the deceitfulness of sin due to their wisdom and restraint.
Humility
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2)
A prudent person recognizes their limitations and does not think too highly of themselves. They listen to and receive correction. Whereas pride leads to strife, prudent people cultivate humility and meekness which leads to true wisdom.
Integrity
“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.” (Proverbs 10:9)
Prudence requires true integrity of heart. Prudent people walk uprightly in honesty, earn trustworthy reputations, and can be relied upon to live in a consistent manner. They choose righteousness over convenient dishonesty.
Cautious Reserve
“Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips, he is considered prudent.” (Proverbs 17:28)
While careless words lead to regret, prudent people demonstrate cautious reserve by thinking before speaking. They exhibit careful control over their tongue and avoid hasty promises or boasts. This reflective caution adds to their reputations as wise individuals.
Teachableness
“Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.” (Proverbs 19:20)
Wise and prudent people recognize they do not have all knowledge. Therefore, they listen to advice, accept correction, and study God’s word in order to grow in understanding. This teachable spirit leads to greater wisdom.
Forward-Thinking
“The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.” (Proverbs 22:3)
Prudence involves foresight to anticipate potential dangers or consequences in the future. Prudent people plan ahead and prepare wisely. They think through contingencies long in advance, avoiding trouble down the road. Lacking such foresight can lead to pain and calamity.
Attentiveness
“The prudent sees evil and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.” (Proverbs 27:12)
Prudent people pay careful attention to what is happening around them. They are vigilant and observant, able to recognize emerging trouble and protect themselves from harm. They do not naively walk into dangerous situations through obliviousness.
Conscientiousness
“Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds.” (Proverbs 27:23)
Biblical prudence requires diligent attentiveness and conscientious stewardship in all of one’s responsibilities. Prudent people are reliable, thorough, and hard-working in managing whatever they have been entrusted with. They do not cut corners.
As this overview shows, biblical prudence involves a wide range of virtues, mental frameworks, and character qualities. At its core, prudence means bringing consistent moral wisdom to practical daily living. It could be summarized as “right living” that carefully applies God’s truth to every choice.
Why Prudence Matters
We have explored the various attributes of a prudent person. But why does prudence matter so much in the Bible? What are the reasons Scripture places such an emphasis on developing this virtue? Consider several key reasons:
Prudence Leads to Blessing
“Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold.” (Proverbs 3:13-14)
Cultivating prudence by gaining biblical wisdom is presented as one of the most profitable investments in life. The treasures of wisdom and understanding are more valuable than material wealth. Prudent choices lead to blessings of protection, satisfaction, and well-being.
Prudence Avoids Harm
“The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.” (Proverbs 27:12)
Lacking prudence leads to calamity. Simpletons who ignore wisdom and charge ahead recklessly end up experiencing much unnecessary pain. Prudence protects us from many pitfalls by enabling foresight and caution. It provides a shield against harmful trouble.
Prudence Gains Favor
“Discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you, to deliver you from the way of evil…and you will find favor.” (Proverbs 2:11-12)
Prudent choices lead to a good reputation and earned trust from others. When we consistently exercise upright, moral discretion it guards our lives and causes others to look upon us with favor. Imprudence, however, undermines trust.
Prudence Brings Stability
“A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered. Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.” (Proverbs 17:27-28)
Prudence promotes personal stability because it exercises control over passions and appetites. It enables disciplined restraint in speech and action. This control provides ballast to our lives so that we are not tossed to and fro by shifting emotions.
Prudence Pleases God
“The prudent sees evil and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.” (Proverbs 14:16)
Overall, prudent living aligns with God’s will and ways. We honor the Lord through wise, upright, and moral choices guided by biblical truth. Prudence applies God’s principles to practical questions of navigating life. Such wisdom is pleasing in His sight.
Given these reasons, the cultivation of biblical prudence clearly matters for faithful Christian discipleship. We serve our own wellbeing and bring glory to God by growing in this vital virtue.
Developing Prudence
Since prudence is so important, how can we cultivate it in our lives? Scripture provides clear guidance on developing this virtue:
Fear the Lord
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7)
The starting point for prudence is reverence for God and submission to His word. Only through honoring the Lord do we gain true wisdom and knowledge. If we reject biblical instruction, we remain imprudent fools.
Receive Correction
“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.” (Proverbs 19:20)
We gain wisdom through humbly accepting rebuke and correction instead of stubbornly resisting it. Pruning and refinement develop prudence. This requires a teachable spirit.
Study Scripture
“I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts.” (Psalm 119:99-100)
Immersing our minds in God’s word enables us to discern His perspective on all matters. Internalizing and obeying Scripture grants true insight and understanding that surpasses human wisdom.
Learn from Others
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” (Proverbs 12:15)
Since we lack full wisdom, we should humbly learn from other people. The prudent listen to counsel whereas fools ignore advice. We gain wisdom by heeding the insights of trusted advisors.
Consider Consequences
“The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.” (Proverbs 27:12)
Before making choices, the prudent imaginatively consider potential outcomes, both good and bad. Reflection on consequences builds wisdom to avoid foolish mistakes that lead to pain.
Seek Accountability
“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14)
Accountability provides protection against compromise. Seeking trusted counsel from spiritual mentors makes us less prone to stray from God’s principles due to human weakness.
Pray for Discernment
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5)
Since prudence comes from the Lord, we should regularly pray for greater spiritual wisdom and discernment to walk uprightly. God promises to grant prudence generously when we ask in faith.
As we cultivate diligent Scripture study, accountability, teachability, prayer, and other spiritual disciplines, the Lord will grow biblical prudence in our lives. And the rewards of living wisely by the fear of the Lord will be great.
Prudence in Action
To conclude this overview of biblical prudence, it will be helpful to provide some real-life examples of what prudence looks like in action:
- A man feels tempted by sexual lust, but prudently flees and resists the temptation.
- A woman is offended by a friend, but rather than react in anger she prudently seeks to understand her friend’s perspective first.
- A family wants to purchase a new home but prudently does not take on more debt than what they reasonably can pay back.
- A church member senses doctrinal compromise creeping in but prudently investigates the issues thoroughly before making public accusations.
- A Christian business owner faces pressure to cheat on taxes but prudently refuses in order to maintain integrity.
- A young person entering college seeks wise counsel on how to maintain their faith rather than prudently relying on their own limited understanding.
- An elderly Christian develops end of life directives based on biblical principles in order to prudently steward their care.
In all of life’s complex and often ambiguous decisions, cultivating biblical prudence through prayer and God’s word provides needed wisdom. It equips us to live in a manner pleasing to the Lord. May we all strive to grow in this precious virtue for God’s glory.
Conclusion
In summary, prudence is essential wisdom from God that applies scriptural truth to everyday choices and actions. The prudent person is marked by careful deliberation, integrity, humility, self-control, and other virtuous qualities. Biblical prudence leads to blessing and protection while avoiding harm caused by foolishness. As Christians, we must diligently study Scripture, submit to wise counsel, and pray in order to grow in godly prudence. Our hope is to walk uprightly in God’s ways through prudent living that aligns with his moral law. May the Lord grant us abundant biblical prudence for his glory and our good.
