Topical Encyclopedia Prudence, a virtue highly esteemed in biblical literature, is often associated with wisdom, discernment, and the ability to govern oneself with reason and foresight. In the context of Scripture, prudence is closely linked to the willingness to accept correction and reproof, which is seen as a pathway to greater wisdom and understanding.Biblical Foundation The Book of Proverbs, a key source of wisdom literature in the Bible, frequently highlights the importance of prudence and the role of reproof in cultivating it. Proverbs 15:5 states, "A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction is prudent." This verse underscores the contrast between folly and prudence, emphasizing that the prudent person is one who listens to and learns from correction. Similarly, Proverbs 12:1 declares, "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid." Here, the love of discipline is equated with the love of knowledge, suggesting that prudence involves a deep appreciation for learning and growth, even when it comes through reproof. The Role of Reproof Reproof, or correction, is a recurring theme in the Bible as a means of guiding individuals toward righteousness and wisdom. Proverbs 9:8-9 advises, "Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning." This passage highlights the receptiveness of the wise and prudent to correction, contrasting it with the scorn of the mocker. The New Testament also reflects this principle. In Hebrews 12:11, it is written, "No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it." This verse speaks to the transformative power of discipline and reproof, which, though initially uncomfortable, ultimately leads to a fruitful and righteous life. Prudence in Practice Prudence, as demonstrated by those who regard reproof, involves a humble acknowledgment of one's limitations and a readiness to learn from others. It requires a heart that is open to instruction and a mind that is willing to change. The prudent person values the insights gained from correction, recognizing them as gifts that lead to personal and spiritual growth. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often encouraged believers to embrace correction as part of their spiritual journey. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, he writes, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work." This passage affirms the role of Scripture as a tool for reproof and the development of prudence. Conclusion In summary, prudence in the biblical sense is deeply intertwined with the acceptance of reproof. Those who are prudent are characterized by their willingness to heed correction, their love for knowledge, and their commitment to growing in wisdom and righteousness. Through the lens of Scripture, prudence is not merely a personal attribute but a divine calling to live a life marked by discernment, humility, and a continual pursuit of truth. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 15:5A fool despises his father's instruction: but he that regards reproof is prudent. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Morality of the Gospel. On Family Religion 1 Cor. I. 18-20 Ananias and Sapphira. 2 Cor. I. 23 The Hidden Treasure. Paul Before Felix. The Necessity of Diligently Seeking the Saints' Rest. Of Evil-Speaking in General. The Cure of Evil-Speaking Resources What are the seven cardinal virtues? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a husbandman in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about common sense? | GotQuestions.org Prudence: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Prudence in Avoiding his Enemies Prudence in Charging Those Who Were Healed not to "Advertise" his Miracles Prudence in Circumcising Timothy Prudence in Performing Temple Rites Prudence in Turning the Jewish Sects Against Each Other Prudence in Walking "No Longer Openly" Prudence of the Wicked: Defeated by God Prudence of the Wicked: Denounced by God Prudence of the Wicked: Fails in Times of Perplexity Prudence of the Wicked: Keeps Them from the Knowledge of the Gospel Prudence of the Wicked: Necessity For-Illustrated Prudence: Abigail, in Averting David's Anger Prudence: Achish, in Dismissing David Prudence: Aged Counsellors of Rehoboam Prudence: Avoiding Suspicion in Administering the Gifts of the Congregations Prudence: Certain Elders of Israel Prudence: David, in his Conduct Toward Saul Prudence: David, in Overthrowing Ahithophel's Shrewd Advice Prudence: Elijah, in his Escape from Jezebel Prudence: Exemplified by Christ Prudence: Exhibited in the Manifestation of God's Grace Prudence: General Scriptures Concerning Prudence: Going to the Feast Secretly Prudence: Intimately Connected With Wisdom Prudence: Jacob, in his Conduct Toward Esau Prudence: Jacob, Toward his Sons, After Dinah's Defilement Prudence: Jehoram, in Suspecting a Syrian Stratagem Prudence: Jethro's Advice to Moses Prudence: Joseph, in his Conduct Toward Mary Prudence: Joseph, in the Affairs of Egypt Prudence: Nehemiah, in Conduct of Affairs at Jerusalem Prudence: Paul and Barnabas, in Escaping Persecution Prudence: Paul and Silas, in Escaping from Berea Prudence: Peter, in Escaping from Herod Agrippa I Prudence: Saints should Especially Exercise, in Their Intercourse With Prudence: Saul, in not Killing the Jabesh-Gileadites Prudence: The Israelites, in the Threatened War With the Two and One-Half Tribes Prudence: The Town Clerk of Ephesus, in Averting a Riot Prudence: The Wise Celebrated For Prudence: The Young should Cultivate Prudence: They Who Have are Preserved by It Prudence: They Who Have: Crowned With Knowledge Prudence: They Who Have: Deal With Knowledge Prudence: They Who Have: Foresee and Avoid Evil Prudence: They Who Have: Get Knowledge Prudence: They Who Have: Keep Silence in the Evil Time Prudence: They Who Have: Look Well to Their Goings Prudence: They Who Have: Not Ostentatious of Knowledge Prudence: They Who Have: Regard Reproof Prudence: They Who Have: Suppress Angry Feelings Prudence: They Who Have: Understand the Ways of God Prudence: They Who Have: Understand Their own Ways Prudence: Virtuous Wives Act With Related Terms |
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