Prudence – Living Intentionally
This is the first of our follow on posts from the video posted here - Unwelcome Words – Prudence and Temperance - if you haven’t watched it (just under 7 minutes long) pause here and take a look!. We want to look at both prudence and temperance (because they are different) – today we will look at prudence.
What is Prudence? Since we have to ask this question (I struggled to create a definition on my own, I know), we already partially know that it is something that is not spoken of that much anymore! True, part of that is because language has moved on, but I think prudence is not something we speak about in our society any more.
So, in the dictionary, you will get this (or something like it) -
Prudence: The ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason
So in summary, intentional self discipline. You can see why it is not a popular notion in our current materialistic society!
In the video with Dr Kevin Kinghorn, he defines prudence as ‘Not losing sight of the true value of things. Keeping firmly in mind the relative value of short term lesser goods, and long term greater goods‘.
What does the Bible say about Prudence?
I, wisdom, dwell with prudence,
and I find knowledge and discretion.
(Proverbs 8:12 ESV)
The prudent sees danger and hides himself,
but the simple go on and suffer for it.
(Proverbs 22:3 ESV)
A fool despises his father’s instruction,
but whoever heeds reproof is prudent.
(Proverbs 15:5 ESV)
What does this mean for my life and yours?
Being prudent means to live intentionally in the light of the Kingdom of God. It means not just to float along, at the whim of everything and anything that comes your way. It means not just to accept what ‘feels good now’ – whether that is the right choice or not. It means sometimes making hard decisions in light of the facts – knowing that the decision you are making is the right one in light of Gods call on your life.
Prudence then becomes the act of choosing to do the right thing every time. It becomes the act of knowing that one choice may lead to short term benefit – but long term destruction, whilst the other may lead to short term difficulty – but significant long term gain. If you like, prudence is an essential component of discipleship, as making prudent, Godly decisions is part of how we grow in Christ.
What do you think? Is prudence then something we are called to, and something that is worth the effort on our part?



