For several years during my youth we had about 20 bee hives on our farm. The bee owner gave us some honey in payment for placing his hives on our farm. Whenever I went near the hives, I was very prudent and to walk carefully, calmly, slowly, and quietly. I did not want to upset the bees and have them attack me.

One day I had to drive the tractor near the hives. This upset some of the bees and they began chasing me across the field. Thankfully, I only got stung once or twice. After that I was even more prudent.

Transition

This evening we are going to see from the book of Proverbs how we need to be prudent in every area of life to avoid getting “stung” by bad choices. To do this, I am going to answer three questions about prudence.

The first question is

What is a Prudent Person?

  1. The definition
    1. The word in Pr 22:3 translated “prudent” is used 8 times in Proverbs. This word describes one who is subtle, shrewd, crafty, sly, sensible, cunning or cautious.
    2. Webster defined prudent as cautious, circumspect, wise, careful.
    3. The word is contrasted in Pr 22:3 with “simple”. That word describes one who is foolish or naïve. He is not stupid but he lacks wisdom or carefulness.
    4. The word “prudent” is closely related to wisdom. Remember, wisdom is the God-given ability to make right choices.
  2. The explanation
    1. We can see that a prudent person is one who is clever and discerning to avoid being easily tricked.
    2. He is sensible and thinks before he acts.
    3. He is wise because he gets his wisdom from the Bible.
    4. He is cautious and circumspect choosing his steps carefully.
      The second question is

How Does God Describe a Prudent Person?

  1. He is described in our Proverbs 22:3
    1. He foresees evil.
      1. He carefully looks at each situation in life and is able to identify things that will lead to evil or bad outcomes.
      2. He looks beyond the present to the outcome.
    2. He hides himself. He turns away from situations or things that he sees will lead to bad.
      1. He ignores his fleshly desires.
      2. He choose what is best, even when it is not the most pleasing.
      3. He rejects things he likes if he knows they may be harmful.
      4. He hides himself from evil. He completely stays away from it.
    3. Foreseeing and hiding from bad things applies to every area of life.
      1. It applies to temptations – lust of the flesh, eyes, and pride of life.
      2. It applies to dressing modestly even when it is very hot. It is modestly covering up to avoid causing others to lust and endangering our purity.
      3. It applies to places we go, things we watch and listen to.
      4. It applies to the food and drink we choose to put in our bodies.
  2. He is described in other Proverbs
    1. (Proverbs 12:16) A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame. The prudent person hides from shameful activity.
    2. (Proverbs 12:23) A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness. The prudent person waits for the right time to speak. He does not quickly blurt out foolish ideas.
    3. (Proverbs 13:16) Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly. A prudent person uses knowledge to avoid bad situations. He does not live by his foolish feelings, appetites or opinions.
    4. (Proverbs 14:8) The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit. The prudent person uses wisdom to understand the right way to go in every situation. He is not deceived by foolishness.
    5. (Proverbs 14:15) The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going. The prudent person discerns well the way he is going. In other words, he considers carefully the possible outcome of every move before he makes it. He is not like the simple person who believes everything he is told.
    6. (Proverbs 14:18) The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. The prudent person is crowned or encircled with knowledge. He surrounds himself with biblical words, skill and wisdom.
      The third question is

How Can We Become Prudent?

  1. We must recognize our weakness.
    1. In our sinful nature, we do not like to be told what to do. We like to make our own decisions. We like to think that we know best. Note what God tells us in Proverbs 12:15, The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
    2. Evaluate choices you have made in the past. If you have often made choices that led to bad outcomes, you are not a prudent person.
    3. We must admit that we lack prudence before we will seek wise prudence.
    4. Admit your lack of prudence to God and ask Him to help you discipline yourself to gain prudence.
  2. We must spend more time with wisdom.
    1. If your parents were prudent people (and you were not rebellious), you may have gained prudence from them. If you are now a parent, you MUST be prudent in order to help your children become prudent.
      1. Teach them how to look ahead before making a choice.
      2. Teach them to choose what is good for them even when they do not particularly like it (e.g., foods, music, entertainment, activities, work, bed time and rising time).
      3. Teach them to use money prudently.
      4. Teach them to use their time prudently.
    2. Daily read and study the Bible. Do not settle for just a casual read. Read to learn and gain. Write down principles you find. Meditate on them. Mark your Bible carefully.
    3. Prove before you move. (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22) Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. Run all your choices through the Bible sifter. If one does not pass God’s test, do not do it.
    4. Make it a habit to always pray for wisdom before making a decision (big or small). (James 1:5) If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
    5. Ask the question “What would Jesus do?” before you make a decision.
    6. If married, always communicate with your spouse before making any decision that will affect your family.
    7. Seek counsel from a person who is walking close to God for difficult decisions.

Conclusion

Would God call you a prudent person? If married, would your spouse consider you to be prudent? Children, do your parents think you are prudent? (If you are not sure, ask them.)

All of us need more prudence. Consider what we have learned this evening and apply it to your life. Follow the steps we have outlined to become more prudent. Always remember to prove before you move.

Song: Be Prudent
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Be Prudent
14 February 2016 – Proverbs 22:3 – Fortifying the Family – Scott Childs