Dictionary of Bible Themes: 5922 prudence

5922 prudence

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5760 Human attitudes and behaviour » 5922 prudence

Careful, wise discernment; the avoidance of rash behaviour or speech; the good management of talents and resources and the showing of tact and wisdom in relationships with other people.

The link between prudence and wisdom

Proverbs 8:12 See also Proverbs 1:1-6

Characteristics of prudence

Discernment

Proverbs 14:15 See also Proverbs 12:16; Proverbs 14:8; Luke 14:28-32

Foresight and caution

Proverbs 22:3 See also Proverbs 23:1-3; Amos 5:13

Wise use of knowledge

Proverbs 12:23 See also Proverbs 14:18; Matthew 7:6

Wise speech

Proverbs 21:23 See also Psalm 39:1; James 3:5-8

A teachable spirit

Proverbs 15:5

Prudence involves good management of talents and resources

Good management commended

Proverbs 6:6-11 See also Genesis 41:33-40; Proverbs 24:27; Matthew 25:14-30

Warnings against unwise financial dealings

Proverbs 22:26-27 See also Proverbs 6:1-5; Matthew 5:25-26

Examples of prudent behaviour

In averting disaster

1 Samuel 25:14-35 See also Genesis 32:3-21

In avoiding persecution

Acts 14:5-7 See also Matthew 12:14-16 pp Mark 3:6-7 Jesus Christ

Paul:

Acts 9:23-25,29-30 Acts 12:17 Peter

Prudence in dealing with other people

Genesis 26:26-31 Abimelech makes a treaty with Isaac; Genesis 32:3-21 Jacob prepares to meet Esau; Nehemiah 2:1-6 Nehemiah petitions Artaxerxes; Daniel 1:8-14 Daniel's diplomacy in avoiding Nebuchanezzar's food; Daniel 2:10-16 Daniel's wisdom and tact in the face of death; Matthew 22:15-22 Jesus Christ's wisdom on the question of paying taxes to Caesar; Acts 5:33-40 Gamaliel's speech to the Sanhedrin