In the Bible, the word prudent refers to a person who thinks about God and the Bible’s teachings before any action or inaction. The prudent person follows the truth and bases each decision on their knowledge as well as on inspiration from God.
The word “prudent” appears several times in the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament.
It describes a wise or sensible person who exercises good judgment and discretion in their words and actions.
In the book of Proverbs, known for its emphasis on wisdom and understanding, the term “prudent” is used frequently to describe the qualities of a wise person.
The Bible makes lots of juxtapositions between the prudent and the foolish, making it clear that they are opposite traits. Therefore, a person can be either prudent or foolish.
We will talk about some of the common traits of a prudent person, using biblical references.
What does prudent mean in the Bible?
Wise decision making
“He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.” (Proverbs 10:5)
A prudent person understands times and seasons. But that’s not all.
They maximize these seasons and prepare for the coming ones.
For example, they plant seeds during the rainy season, when the weather is favorable for planting, and enjoy bountiful harvests during the dry season.
The prudent is hard working and diligent in performing tasks.
Therefore, they make the best decisions based on the information gathered about their environment or events happening around them.
They always depend on the Holy Spirit for uncommon wisdom and insight into events and ideas to make the best decision.
One person the personified this quality is King Solomon.
The records how he handled a dispute between two women claiming one baby.
Solomon’s uncommon wisdom made him pass the best judgment (1 Kings 3:16-28)
However, the foolish person is carefree and does not know how to manage time and resources.
They are slothful, sleeping when they are supposed to be working and whiling away time when the prudent is busy in his place of endeavor.
Because of a good decision-making process and hard work, the prudent is never in lack because the time and resources he invested in himself, his business, or his career always yield profitable results.
Slow to speak
“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.” (Proverbs 10:19)
The prudent knows when to speak and when to keep silent.
The prudent understand the power of the tongue and how it can tear down cities if unguarded and unbridled.
One who processes their thoughts and weighs the consequences or damages their words could cause and then choose to hold their peace is prudent.
Our Bible verse shows that talking too much can cause more harm than good.
A person who has an opinion about everything and always feels like speaking will soon say something that will land them in trouble.
Therefore, a man of few words is prudent or perceived wise even when they do not have a superior opinion about an argument or event.
“Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; when he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.” (Proverbs 17:28)
Patience
“Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.” (Proverbs 12:16)
A prudent person reserves their mental and emotional energy for important things.
They do not react to any slight provocation but have enduring and patient spirits.
That doesn’t mean that they are fearful or cowards.
They only understand the priority and place unimportant people and events at the bottom of the scale of preference.
However, a foolish person is quick to anger and react to everyone.
As such, they become a puppet in the hands of those who understand their weakness.
They deliberately taunt them and make fun of them when they respond predicted.
Therefore, a prudent person is unfazed by insults because they understand that hurtful and hateful words do not match their identity in Christ. So, their confidence is in Christ.
Thoughtful
“The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.” (Proverbs 14:8)
The prudent never jumps into decision-making without analyzing a situation through and through.
They even go the extra mile to seek godly and superior counsel from experienced people before taking any action.
Not only that, the prudent engages in self-introspection to analyze their behaviors and emotions to improve where they did well and make amends where they messed up.
Doing this takes a high level of humility because a foolish person doesn’t take correction, seek counsel or reflect on their actions.
They foolishly are proud and full of themselves.
So, they lack the patience and emotional intelligence to give thought to their ways or listen to correction.
Examines the scripture
“The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.” (Proverbs 14:15)
The prudent do not follow the bandwagon, jump to conclusions or accept any doctrine, teaching, idea, or lifestyle. Instead, they are committed to searching the scriptures to see God’s position on anything.
The prudent follow God’s Word in 1 John 4:1.
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
So, they spend time studying the Bible to have a deeper understanding of God’s Word so they won’t be easily swayed by false prophets and doctrines.
But the unwise easily fall into the trap of wolves in sheep’s clothing who are out to deceive and lead people to their Waterloo because they believe anything without studying the Bible.
They do not have their personal opinions on issues and ideas, so they are easy targets.
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David Akeju is a Christian writer who believes in the transformational power of God’s Word. His articles and books have been published on global platforms, and thousands of lives have been touched. He works with pastors and ministers, churches and ministries, and brands.