Prudence is the noun form of the verb “to be cautious” or “to act carefully.”
It simply means carefulness or discernment.
For example:
In the Bible, the word appears in several passages, such as:
Daniel 2:13–15 (NIV) So the decree was issued that the wise men were to be put to death, and men were sent to look for Daniel and his friends to put them to death. When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, had gone out to put to death the wise men of Babylon, Daniel spoke to him with wisdom and prudence. He asked the king’s officer, “Why did the king issue such a harsh decree?” Arioch then explained the matter to Daniel.
Daniel 2:13–15 (NIV)
So the decree was issued that the wise men were to be put to death, and men were sent to look for Daniel and his friends to put them to death. When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, had gone out to put to death the wise men of Babylon, Daniel spoke to him with wisdom and prudence. He asked the king’s officer, “Why did the king issue such a harsh decree?” Arioch then explained the matter to Daniel.
Proverbs 1:1–4 (NIV) The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young.
Proverbs 1:1–4 (NIV)
The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young.
Joshua 22:24 (NIV) “No! We did it for fear that some day your descendants might say to ours, ‘What do you have to do with the Lord, the God of Israel?’”
Joshua 22:24 (NIV)
“No! We did it for fear that some day your descendants might say to ours, ‘What do you have to do with the Lord, the God of Israel?’”
A Call to Prudence in Christian Life
As believers, we are also called to live with prudence in this world.
Although we live in the world, we should not be yoked together with it in ungodly ways. Those who lack prudence often get entangled in worldly pleasures, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desires for other things—eventually becoming unfruitful.
Shalom.
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