Planning Prudently

Today's Scripture Proverbs 14:7-8, 14-15

Insight

The word translated “prudent” (Proverbs 14:8, 15, 18) can also be translated as “crafty,” “sensible,” or “shrewd.” In Proverbs, the prudent are presented as the opposite of “fools” (14:8). Fools may think rejecting God’s wisdom and the instruction of others gives them power and security (v. 16), but in reality, their refusal to seek the truth is self-destructive (vv. 11-12). They lack knowledge (v. 7), and their advice can only mislead and deceive (v. 8). They’re driven by their whims and tempers (v. 17), while the prudent are guided by reliable knowledge (v. 18). The contrast between the lives of the foolish and the prudent illustrates that “the fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death” (v. 27).

Examine the book of Proverbs in its ancient Near Eastern context.

Small-town physician Ezdan nurtured a grand dream for his young daughter Eleanor. She has Down syndrome, and he hoped to open a business to provide paid work for her future. Feeling “terrified” to pursue his dream, he took an online course on how to start a business. Then he and his wife launched a family bakery in their Wyoming town, and it’s thriving. “It has become a real business, with a staff,” Ezdan said. Eleanor, now grown, works the cash register and connects with online customers. “Everybody in town knows who she is,” says Ezdan. His leap of faith in planning for Eleanor’s future reflects his choice to be prudent.

It’s a classic biblical virtue. Prudence is an element of wisdom that God ordains for our current and future planning. “The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways,” says Proverbs 14:8, “but the folly of fools is deception.” Rather than worry about the future, or do nothing about it, prudent people look to God for wisdom to plan for it.

In fact, prudence comes directly from the Latin word prudentia, meaning “foresight.” “The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps” (v. 15). Foreseeing what could happen, they work sensibly to build a safety net—a strong course of action for the wise!

With clear-eyed faith, may we live prudently, in step with God.