The concept of Prudence in Christianity
Prudence, according to the Catholic Church, is viewed as a vital moral virtue essential for the proper practice of other virtues, with charity required for its effective application. It is also recognized as a significant intellectual virtue that enables individuals to judge and choose wisely in their actions, acting as a moral guide. Additionally, prudence is considered superior among moral virtues, as it enhances reason and contributes to sound decision-making.
Synonyms: Caution, Wisdom, Discretion, Judiciousness, Circumspection, Foresight, Sagacity, Care, Vigilance, Carefulness., Carefulness, Forethought
In Dutch: Voorzichtigheid; In French: Prudence; In Swedish: ¹óö°ù²õ¾±°ì³Ù¾±²µ³ó±ð³Ù; In Finnish: Varovaisuutta; In German: Klugheit; In Malay: Berhemah; In Spanish: Prudencia
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Prudence'
From: Summa Theologica (English translation)
(1) Prudence is a virtue that regulates all moral virtues, and keeping money to prevent theft or useless spending is an act of prudence, but using money usefully is considered to be more prudent, because more things must be considered in money's use.[1] (2) The wisdom of the flesh which is considered an enemy to God because it is not subject to the law of God, often dominating the actions of many individuals.[2] (3) This is an intellectual virtue that is the right reason of things to be done, and it involves making sound judgments and decisions about practical matters, and it is related to the will.[3] (4) Prudence, considered a perfection of reason, inherently possesses goodness, and is therefore ranked as the foremost of the cardinal virtues, influencing other virtues due to its essential nature.[4] (5) This is the ability to apply right reason to action and is essential for the application of reason in actions, and it is considered a special virtue distinct from all other virtues.[5]
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) Prudence refers to the ability to make wise decisions, which is linked to the absence of divine power when fortune is given the role of a goddess.[6] (2) Prudence is a quality that is understood in contrast to imprudence, as one cannot exist or be understood without the other.[7] (3) The ability to make sound judgments and decisions based on knowledge of good and evil.[8]
From: Expositions of Holy Scripture
(1) Prudence is described as the careful management of practical affairs, and the text warns against allowing prudence to take precedence over conscience, which is the inner sense of right and wrong.[9]
From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)
(1) This quality is recommended for those considered simple, and it is something that should be understood, and it stands in favorable contrast to the characteristic of believing everything.[10]
Gnostic concept of 'Prudence'
From: The Gnostics and Their Remains
(1) Prudence is one of the ten emanations, also known as Jehovah, and is described as the "river flowing out of Paradise, the fountain of the oil of unction."[11]