I Did NOT Know Prudence and Wisdom are Brothers
I was reminded this morning by Proverbs 27:12 that I had missed this powerful truth for many years early in my faith walk. Prudence and wisdom are brothers!
“The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.” Proverbs 27:12
Prudence is the power of discernment, cautious discretion, and wisdom’s brother. They love each other. They support each other. And they work very well together.
The prudent and wise Christian looks ahead to see trouble coming and avoid its pain. They are vigilant to spot changes coming that would disrupt their walk with Christ. They see the reality of life through God’s eternal lens.
Wise believers test everything until they discern God’s truth or will. They scan the radar screen for risk and hide from danger to avoid being caught believing lies or walking into a trap.
The Bereans modeled prudence and wisdom by testing everything they heard, including the preaching of Paul.
The other side of the prudence/wisdom coin is where the simple-minded live and let life come to them. They do not question what they believe or what they are doing. They move blindly into the dark and get clobbered by unseen dangers.
Of course our foolish spirit wants to go it alone! And the world puts pressure on us and encourages us to live that insane life. That’s why prudence in Christ is so tough. But it is possible.
Prudence comes from God’s immutable Word of truth. To that end, I ask God to give me the discretion and practical wisdom to detect problems or dangers in any situation and avoid them by altering my course according to his will.
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Can you see any danger ahead on your current path?
“A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequence.” Proverbs 27:12 NLT