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Needed: Prudent Saints
If someone were to approach you and ask you if you are prudent, how would you respond?
What exactly is Prudence?
Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary defines it as - "the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason; sagacity or shrewdness in the management of affairs; skill and good judgment in the use of resources; caution or circumspection as to danger or risk."
But what does the Bible say?
Let's examine King Solomon's study of this very important character trait in the Book of Proverbs and see how it applies to our lives today.
Proverbs 18:15 says - "The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge."
The basic trait of every "prudent" person is that he has a "heart" and an "ear" for knowledge. In fact, he can't seem to get enough of it and will strive to lose no time whatsoever in his pursuit of it.
His inquisitiveness causes him to be gathering materials unceasingly for thought from without. He "gets" and "seeks" "knowledge" and then immediately applies what he knows to his life.
For the Christian, this entails the constant striving after the knowledge of God and the knowledge of his duty in this life - on his journey heavenward.
Are you "prudent"? Do you have an "insatiable hunger and thirst" to know everything about God so that you may faithfully and properly serve Him with all of your heart?
Beside the pursuit after the Knowledge of God, how else would you describe someone who is "prudent"?
Solomon offers us seven different definitions to consider in our study.
1. Displays Meekness Rather Than Passion
Proverbs 12:16 - "A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame."
A "prudent man" is lord over his anger. Whenever he is provoked, he restrains his wrath. He is totally under the control of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. He practices self-government at all times and under all circumstances. He suppresses resentments and practices reticence - is not one to speak the first thing that comes to his mind. He excuses affronts and injuries from others.
How about you? Are you "lord over anger" or is "anger lord over you"? Are you able, through the grace of God, to restrain any outbursts of offensive expressions - manifested through your words and actions? Are your passions under the government of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God? Do you avoid all causes for "shame" by covering over offenses that come your way, or are you filled with resentments toward those who injured you in any way?
2. Is Discerning In The Management Of Personal Knowledge
Proverbs 12:23 - "A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness."
A "prudent man" is one who displays his wisdom, knowledge, and learning for the good of others rather than to draw attention to himself or for self-aggrandizement.
How about you? Are you a "show-off"? Do you desire to impress people with your knowledge, learning, skills, talents, and gifts? Do you use your level of education to lift yourself above others and to draw attention to yourself as the foolish man does? Or are you like the "prudent" in that you use your talents, skills, and learning to edify and help others?
3. Deals With Knowledge - Not The Absence Thereof
Proverbs 13:16 - "Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly."
The "prudent man" is cautious, reserved, and deliberate in his evaluation of himself. He never ventures into a field of which he knows nothing. He doesn't meddle in areas that are beyond him. He recognizes his limitations and does not seek to strive with others who are more capable or fit for a job or task.
How about you? Would you consider yourself to be cautious as the "prudent man" or rash as the "fool"?
4. Understands The Direction, Dangers, Difficulties, and Advantages of His Way
Proverbs 14:8 - "The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit."
Prudence in a man's heart causes him to be very practical. He understands what is expected of him - the rules that are required of him. He manages himself accordingly. He ponders the path of his feet - constantly looking out for any dangers along the way and making the necessary changes for his own good. He is not a busybody in other men's matters. He has nothing to do with deception or fraud.
Are you like the "prudent" in that you "understand" your way? Do you know what is required of you in your walk with the Lord? In your dealing with others, do you avoid at all costs any "deceit" or fraud? Are you living a lie? Do you pretend to be something that you are not? Are you telling yourself that things are okay when they most certainly are not?
5. Is Cautious Rather Than Gullible
Proverbs 14:15 - "The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going."
The "prudent man" proves all things. He is not naive or gullible as the "fool." He weighs the credibility of every man's story or profession of friendship.
Do you "believe every word" or do you try the spirits?
6. Values Knowledge Over Folly
The "prudent" is ambitious for knowledge. He classifies it as a bright ornament of great value in his life.
What is more valuable in your life - Pleasure or Work? Foolishness or Sobriety? The Broad Way or the Narrow Way? Anything-goes living or a life of restraint?
7. Heeds Warnings
Proverbs 22:3 - "A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished."
The "prudent man" is contrasted with the "simple" one. It is a matter of wisdom versus rashness or consideration versus inconsideration.
The "prudent" is fully aware of the evils, dangers, and temptations that are surrounding him. Hence, he hides himself, prepares himself, and arms himself with the whole armor of God. Unlike the inexperienced, headstrong, giddy, and foolish man, he heeds the words of warning that come his way.
What are you more prone to listen to - words of flattery or words of warning? Your answer will determine if you are "prudent" or "simple" - if you are prepared for the storms of life or are in danger of being swept away?
If ever there was a time for the Church to be "prudent," it is now! In the midst of great deception, there is such a cry for caution, foresight, discretion, and wisdom among its ranks.
So many -
...lack a hunger for the Truth of God's Word
...are falling into the snares and traps of False Teachers because they do not have a Knowledge of God and His ways nor value it as a great jewel in their lives
...are slaves to passion, anger, and resentments rather than being self-controlled
...are more concerned about making a name for themselves than benefiting others with what they know
...are running with a message when God never sent them
...have nothing substantial to say, yet they speak because they want to be seen and heard by men
...are walking in self-deceit because they really don't understand their God-given requirements
...are gullible rather than cautious
...are suffering serious consequences because they are ignoring the warning signs that God is placing along their paths.
Oh! How we need Prudent Saints today.
How we need to get back to the Bible as the Rule Book for every decision and as the springboard for every action.
What we need more than ever is Good Old-Fashioned, Holy Ghost Discernment.
The requirement for the hour is a Bible Revival.
In closing, if you would find the sign - "Needed: Prudent Saints" - posted in your Church this Sunday, would you get the job if you applied?
If not, where would you be lacking?
May God Bless His Word.
Connie
| © COPYRIGHT Connie Giordano - All Rights Reserved
