PRUDENCE

​The first time I heard this word was in a personality assessment I took for work. I wondered to myself is this good? It showed that I had a high prudence. According to the assessment I took it meant that I was organized, dependable, and inflexible. It predicted by self-control, conscientiousness, and work ethic. It suggested that I am: hardworking, precise, and planful. I follow rules carefully and expect others to do so as well. I have high standards of performance for myself and others. And I find it difficult to adapt to change / make quick decisions because I analyze what the outcomes could be. To break it down into subcategories:

• Moralistic: I adhere strictly to conventional values
• Mastery: I am extremely hardworking
• Virtuous: I am extremely principled
• Not Autonomous: I am not concerned about others opinions of me
• Not Spontaneous: I prefer predictability
• Impulse Control: I lack impulsivity
• Avoids Trouble: Professed probity

 
The word prudence stuck with me for weeks after I read my results. I couldn’t yet figure out the word PRUDENCE. Until……
Until I turned my bible to Proverbs 11
            It discusses the idea where humility = wisdom. Wealth = worthless. Righteous = Rescued
 
It discusses how a kindhearted woman gains honor but ruthless men only gain wealth.

• When I read this I re-evaluated my heart. I re-evaluated how I go about my day to day. Do I work to make a difference in the lives around me and to help others? Do I bring God’s love wherever I go? Do I spread the message of Christ in all things I do? Or am I focused on the wealth. à this can be work for many.

It talks about how important it is to give.
Proverbs 11:25 “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

• I asked myself how much am I giving?
• When I think of this I always think back to my parents and grandparents. These are the most giving people I know. They gave to me. They give to others. They give to the church. They have taught me that when you give, God gives to you.

In Proverbs 12:4 it states, “A wife of noble character is her husbands crown.”

• For me I don’t want a crown given to me by the world. I’ve been given that and it does nothing. But a crown earned by God is a crown that everyone can earn and it. For all of us, I think it’s about wearing the crown of God purposefully and proud. As we are princes and princesses of the one true King. Jesus Christ.

 
Finally in Proverbs 12:8 the word PRUDENCE rose about.
            It says: “ A person is praised according to their PRUDENCE.”
So what does it mean for someone to be PRUDENT according to the Bible?

1. The PRUDENT overlook insult
2. The PRUDENT keep their knowledge to themselves
3. The PRUDENT diligent hands will rule
4. The PRUDENT act as a light
5. The PRUDENT take advice
6. All who are PRUDENT act with knowledge
7. The PRUDENT give thought to their steps
8. The PRUDENT are crowned with knowledge
9. The path of life leads upward for the PRUDENT
10. PRUDENCE is a fountain of life for the PRUDENT
11. The hearts of the wise make their mouths PRUDENT and their lips promote instruction.

 
These are just a few ways the Bible explains this.
 
The reason I am writing this is because little did I know the importance of this simple word. I had no idea of the impact it can have. I encourage you all to carry PRUDENCE.
I think Proverbs 11-20 really showcases what this all means and entails, and I think that all of these words are extremely valuable for today’s world.
 
It discusses Patience, Peace, Kindness, Calmness, Wisdom.
 
I encourage you all to act with PRUDENCE this week.