"To give prudence to the simple...."
Proverbs 1:4
What does it mean to be prudent? In the Hebrew, it means craftiness or guile (by trickery) or shrewdness in a good sense. Webster's Dictionary says it is being "foresighted; shrewd in the management of practical affairs." It is foresighted in that it looks to the future, and does not just respond to the immediate. Or as my son-in-law, Ted, would put it, it sees the result one wants and makes choices to achieve the desired result. The wise steward looks forward to his Master's return and orders his life accordingly (Luke 12:35-48). Shrewdness is being able to discern the best way to achieve the results. Perhaps this is what Jesus meant when He told His disciples, "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore, be wise as serpents and harmless as doves" (Matthew 10:16). The prudent person understands how crafty the wolves and snakes of this world are so he can respond wisely. But he does not act like wolves and snakes; the godly person is guileless and harmless as sheep and doves. He is as shrewd as a wolf, but remains as pure as a sheep in his motives and actions.
Today's Thought: The prudent person is foresighted and shrewd in his decisions.
Have a prudent day. Love you.
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