The attribute of being “pm-dent” is used in scripture in both a good and a bad sense. In the first instance, it means to be spiritually wise, putting eternal considerations first. In the bad sense, it means to be shrewd in the ways of the world, knowing how to acquire worldly position and to rationalize one’s questionable actions.
Prudence in Proverbs
In the Proverbs, “prudence” is used in a good sense:
“The wisdom of the prudent is to understand [God’s] way, but the folly of fools is deceit” (14:8).
“The simple believeth every word, but the prudent man looketh well to his going” (v.15).
“The simple inherit folly; but the prudent are crowned with knowledge” (v.18).
“A fool despiseth his father’s instruction; but he that regardeth reproof is prudent” (15:5).
“The wise in heart shall be called prudent” (16:21).
“He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto
him…[on the other hand] the heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge” (18:13-15).
Prudent versus foolish
Consider the contrast between the person who is spiritually smart, prudent, and the one who is foolish. The prudent will proceed cautiously, obtaining accurate information so he does not jump to premature conclusions or pursue a false course. The foolish will reach conclusions too quickly, trusting in his own instincts and resorting to deceit to cover his folly.
When the foolish man is reproved, he will not accept it; he refuses to be disciplined and despises those who reprove him. The fool is more interested in saving face than in doing right. The wise, on the other hand, receive instruction because their heart is right and bent on doing good. Thus the wise corrects his ways, but the foolish justifies all his actions.
As Solomon exhorts, “Lean not unto thine own understanding…be not wise in thine own eyes” (3:5-7).
When we are prudent, we use our tongue correctly, not jumping to conclusions nor rashly judging a matter before we hear it out. The prudent realize that life and death are in the power of the tongue. The fool, howsoever, will speak lies and cover up his hatred with slander. It is sport to the fool to do mischief: “[He that is a fool] dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him; when he speaketh fair, believe him not; for there are seven abominations in his heart. Whose hatred is covered with deceit…” (26:24-26).
Prudence in a bad sense
The Lord Jesus prays, “I thank thee, 0 Father, Lord of heaven and earth because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent and hast revealed them unto babes” (Matt. 11:25). This is clearly using the words in a different sense.
To be prudent can carry the idea of being shrewd, mischievous, clever, given to wily and artful ways of dealing. This describes a person whom Jesus was thankful could not understand the Truth.
The crafty person can project himself as sincere, but God’s view is different: “For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent” (I Cor. 1:19).
We have no trouble seeing the application of these words to the world around us. In the course of shopping, we see inferior products being marketed with packaging that imitates goods of a higher standard. With regularity, we hear of fraudulent schemes, sometimes on such a large scale that they threaten to disrupt the banking systems of entire nations. And we see charlatans, feigning piety, urging the naive to send them their hard-earned money.
In academia, we encounter scholastic dishonesty as some scientists misrepresent evidence to support their preconceived ideas about evolution. And we find some churches promoting Biblical skepticism which leads to humanism and unbelief.
Hold on to true prudence
In a hymn of praise, Paul says, “Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence: having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: that in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ” (Eph. 1:8-10).
In Christ Jesus, God has given us the word of true wisdom and the way of spiritual prudence. We need to use this truth diligently in our lives, for the day is coming when the spiritually prudent will be separated from the worldly prudent. In that day, the Lord will cleanse the world of foolishness, He will punish the hypocrites and will bless those who have applied the wisdom of God in their lives.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One