In.Motion

Quickly, before we start, think up a short, working definition for Prudent or Prudence.

Got it? . . . Good.

Now, didn’t we all hear that word growing up in movies and stuff. The really edgy kid who wants to do something bad to look cool would say this to the kinda nerdy kid who doesn’t want to drink beer or get in trouble. Think Judd Nelson talking to Molly Ringwald in “The Breakfast Club”.

No one wants to be the prude.

Why?

No one wants to be left out . . . but that’s another post entirely.

My point is this: I think that our view of prudence is vastly different than its original intent. We have taken this concept, that could save us a lot of trouble if we gave it some weight in our lives, and made it into something that isn’t desired. Why do I bring this up? Well, I’m glad you asked.

Proverbs 1:3-4
[In reference to seeking/attaining wisdom}
“(3)for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair; (4) for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young.”

Think back to your definition of prudent. Maybe you though of phrases like “No Fun” or “Lame” or maybe a good ole’ fashioned “Stick in the Mud”. Whatever your definition was, it probably doesn’t have a positive connotation. Here’s what it really means:

Prudent – acting with or showing care and thought for the future.

Interesting.

There’s no mention of missing out on things, or letting fun/mischievous events pass us by. Having prudence in our lives means that we are living with regard to our future. The decisions we make today effect where we are down the road, and prudence means that we are all to aware of this.

Solomon mentions this word twice, very closely together. This has got to be a point he wants us to really take hold of. He has seen how little decisions can become something that we didn’t see back when. To seek wisdom is, then, to seek prudence. To always consider, “In light of my future, what is the wise thing to do?”.

So, I urge you to take a few minutes and consider your future. Don’t try to control it or plan every detail, but think about the man/woman you want to become and think about what needs to happen for you to get there. Then, begin to live your life in such a way that will aid in your walk there.

One.Love

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