The Wisdom of Prudence

by Doy Moyer

“Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling” (Proverbs 26:27).

“The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it” (Proverbs 27:12).

“Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty” (Proverbs 28:19).

One of the hallmarks of wisdom is the ability to look a little into the future and see where a present course of action will lead. While we do not have the ability to see the future as God, wisdom is able to project and see possible consequences of foolish and questionable behaviors as defined by God. It is a barrier to what naturally happens from our own folly and sin. Wisdom is our eyes on the road ahead to take note of the twists and turns that will surely come our way.

Wisdom also helps us develop a conscience that is rightly trained to detect and discern good and evil. It is the mark of maturity: “For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil” (Hebrews 5:13-14).

Wisdom does more than ask whether something is technically right or wrong. It asks, “Does this show good discernment? Is it prudent? Is it helpful? Does it show a heart for God or is it selfish? Does it demonstrate discretion and understanding?”

How will we show wisdom today?