Prudence is most commonly known as practical wisdom or the "charioteer of the virtues" because it guides and governs all other virtues. It is also referred to as phronesis (Greek for wisdom/insight) or simply as sound judgment, caution, discretion, and foresight.
Prudence is a strength within the virtue category of temperance, one of six cardinal virtues that subcategorize the 24 character strengths. Temperance describes strengths that help you manage habits and protect against excess.
The word derives from the 14th-century Old French word prudence, which, in turn, derives from the Latin prudentia meaning "foresight, sagacity". It is often associated with wisdom, insight, and knowledge.
The subjective parts of prudence are its various species, which is seen in the proper sense, are prudence by which a person directs his self and prudence by which one drives others – that can be various types of prudence, such as military prudence, the prudential to rule, the domestic prudence, the political prudence.
Phronesis is a Greek term that is translated as practical wisdom but can also mean prudence or common sense.
In the Bible, "prudent" means having practical wisdom, foresight, and good judgment, acting with caution and discretion to make sound decisions that align with God's will, often contrasting with foolishness by carefully considering consequences and managing resources wisely. It's about being sensible, discerning, and applying God's knowledge to daily life, being slow to speak and quick to understand, and taking cover from danger rather than ignoring it, as seen in Proverbs 22:3.
Prudence. The virtue of prudence traditionally has been depicted by a figure of a teacher, denoting wisdom. Here, prudence is interpreted as the wisdom to make the right choices in life. The main symbol in "Prudence" is a large, scaly dragon.
The three acts of prudence: counsel, judgment and command
To be prudent, it is not enough to deliberate, take good advice and judge correctly what should be done. What has been seen to be the right course of action must be put into practice. Not doing so, leaving it undone, would be unwise.
Some common synonyms of prudent are judicious, sage, sane, sapient, sensible, and wise. While all these words mean "having or showing sound judgment," prudent suggests the exercise of restraint guided by sound practical wisdom and discretion.
Prudence is more than caution—it is Spirit-led wisdom applied to our daily lives. It is about cultivating wise discernment and judgment in everything from our speech and relationships to our time, choices, and spiritual direction. Like all spiritual practices, prudence does not come naturally.
First, etymologically, our English word “prudence” comes from Latin “prudentia”, an alteration of providentia — providence. “Pro” meaning ahead and “videre” meaning see.
Three Parts of Prudent Decision Making
Prudence, which is an 'intellectual virtue', the wisdom that guides practical decision-making. Justice governs human relationships and social interaction. Fortitude refers to human commitment and inner strength. Temperance is the means by which we regulate or 'moderate' our appetites and emotions.
And we know that there are four cardinal virtues - temperance, justice, prudence, and fortitude.
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prudence. carefulness. expediency. wisdom. caution.
Definitions of prudent. adjective. careful and sensible; marked by sound judgment. “a prudent manager”
Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Denounced by God. Isaiah 5:21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
And on this topic we will inquire into these eight parts: (1) memory; (2) understanding (or intelligence); (3) docility; (4) shrewdness; (5) reasoning; (6) foresight (or providence); (7) circumspection; and (8) caution. Article 1 Is memory a part of prudence?
Talking to someone older and wiser than us before making big decisions. Making decisions when we are feeling relaxed, not angry or anxious. Writing down a list of pros and cons to help work it out. Checking our facts- thinking about the other side of a situation and how the other person might be feeling.
Prudence is depicted wearing white, gold, and violet, colors symbolizing purity and wisdom, and honor.
Prudence is the perfection of reason, or, the perfection of the natural capacity of the soul to see reality as it is. More than just a view of the physical reality around and about us, prudence sees the spiritual and relational reality around us. Another way to describe prudence is discernment.