Courage, as depicted in the Bible, is the mental and moral strength to face danger, fear, or difficulty with faith and trust in God. It is a virtue that is often called upon in the face of adversity and is closely linked with faith and obedience to God's will. The Bible provides numerous examples and exhortations to be courageous, emphasizing that true courage is rooted in reliance on God rather than on human strength.

One of the most prominent examples of courage in the Bible is found in the account of Joshua. After the death of Moses, Joshua was appointed to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. God commanded him to be strong and courageous, assuring him of His presence: "Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9). This divine encouragement underscores the biblical understanding that courage is not merely a personal attribute but a response to God's promises and presence.

David, the shepherd boy who became king, also exemplifies courage. His confrontation with Goliath is a classic narrative of faith-fueled bravery. David's confidence was not in his own abilities but in the Lord: "David said to the Philistine, 'You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied'" (1 Samuel 17:45). David's courage was a direct result of his trust in God's power and faithfulness.

The New Testament continues this theme, with the apostles demonstrating courage in the face of persecution. The early church leaders, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly proclaimed the gospel despite threats and imprisonment. Acts 4:13 notes the courage of Peter and John: "When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and took note that these men had been with Jesus" . Their courage was a testament to their relationship with Christ and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit.

Prudence

Prudence, in biblical terms, is the ability to govern and discipline oneself through the use of reason. It involves wise decision-making, foresight, and the careful consideration of consequences. Prudence is often associated with wisdom and is considered a key aspect of living a righteous life according to God's standards.

The Book of Proverbs frequently extols the virtue of prudence. Proverbs 8:12 states, "I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion" . Here, prudence is linked with wisdom, suggesting that a prudent person is one who seeks and applies godly wisdom in their life. Prudence involves not only knowing what is right but also acting upon that knowledge in a way that aligns with God's will.

The account of Joseph in the Old Testament is a prime example of prudence. As a young man, Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, yet he rose to a position of power in Egypt due to his prudent management and interpretation of dreams. His foresight in storing grain during the years of plenty saved Egypt and surrounding nations during the subsequent famine (Genesis 41). Joseph's prudence was a reflection of his faith in God and his ability to act wisely in challenging circumstances.

In the New Testament, Jesus teaches about prudence through parables. The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) highlights the importance of being prepared and making wise choices. The prudent virgins took extra oil for their lamps, while the foolish ones did not, resulting in their exclusion from the wedding feast. This parable underscores the necessity of prudence in spiritual readiness and the anticipation of Christ's return.

Prudence is also evident in the apostle Paul's writings. In Ephesians 5:15-16, Paul advises believers, "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil" . Here, prudence is portrayed as living wisely and making the best use of time, recognizing the moral and spiritual challenges of the world.

In summary, both courage and prudence are essential virtues in the Christian life, enabling believers to navigate the complexities of life with faith, wisdom, and reliance on God's guidance.