Book I, Chapter 4: Applying Prudence in What We Do.
“We must be careful in giving credit to every word and
suggestion by taking the necessary time and attention to weighing the matter according to God’s Standard. (Bk 1, Ch. 4)”
In Book 1, Chapter 4, Thomas guides us with this useful admonition On Applying Prudence to What We Do, especially in our relationships. So Thomas advises prudence to our situations involving what comes out of our own mouth and brain. There is a definite pragmatism to prudence: Think of this Cardinal Virtue as “Spiritual Cunning” in that there is a weighing of risk for a positive outcome that benefits not just ourselves, but the common good.
Prudence is often portrayed as driving a chariot.
The art of prudence, then, is tied closely with humility and reflecting our decisions against what The Lord tells us in Scripture and Tradition. We then balance that base line against the action in front of us, and He enables us to see the result which may seem overly cautious to others, but in reality is a thoughtful decision. Still for others, the decision may seem rash, until again, it is balanced against The Lord’s view of things. Think here of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples (John 13). At first, it did not make any sense, especially to Peter. But Jesus clarified everything as he kept to his intent of showing how to lead.
Prayer: Lord, may we be prudent in measuring our thoughts and words toward one another, especially our family members, on this day.
Thanks for praying along with me.
Til Next time, be Imitators of Christ!
1. We must be careful in giving credit to every word and suggestion by taking the necessary time and attention to weighing the matter according to God’s Standard.
Alas! we are so weak! We often readily believe and speak of another that which is evil rather than that which is good.
But perfect men do not easily give credit to every report, because they know man’s weakness, which is highly prone to evil and always subject to fail in words.
2. It is great wisdom not to be rash in our actions; nor to be hard-hearted in our own opinion: Nor should we believe every man’s word; nor in-the-moment tell others the things which we have heard or believed.
Consult with a wise and conscientious man (Tobit 4:18) and seek rather to be instructed by one who is wiser than to follow your own inclinations.A good life makes a man wise according to God, and expert in
many things. The more humble a man is in himself, and more subject to God, the more prudent he will be in all things and the more at peace.
fn1 As much as I have issues with “The Beatles,” they wrote a song called “Dear Prudence” which had no intent of musing about the Cardinal Virtue of Prudence, but rather was written to cajole a young woman with depression problems, to come out of her hotel room and socialize, I thought a similar cajoling may be necessary to tease Prudence back into our lives. She is very shy these days, so perhaps this joyful song may bring Her out.