The 1st Cardinal Virtue: Prudence

[tsering]

Dear Catholic and non-Catholic members,

I’m interested in your perspective on what the Catholic Church calls the first cardinal virtue: Prudence. What does it mean to you? How important is it in your life? Do you have any practical examples of how it has been modeled or applied in your experience?

Peace

 

[Shin]

Prudence…

It’s the answer to so many, many, problems.

 

[GeorgeTheWild]

Prudence is a rather broad word. Though, I think prudence in our speech is the most important aspect. Words always seem to have an impact disproportionate to their size. James has some rather good things about prudence in our speech.

James 1:19-21 (NIV)
19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

James 3:5-6;9-10 (NIV)
5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.

 

[Shin]

We must render an account for each idle word… prudence is the key to saving ourselves in this…

 

[campeador]

From the Nine Days’ Prayer to St. Dymphna:

**Prudence
**
You were marked in life, St. Dymphna, by a high degree of prudence. You sought and followed the advice of your confessor and spiritual guide. You fled from temptation even when it meant exile and poverty. In your last extremity you chose to die rather than offend God. Please help us now by your merits not only to know what is right, but procure for us also the strength to do it. Amen.

St. Dymphna, pray for us.

 

[PJM]

=tsering;7535522]Dear Catholic and non-Catholic members,

I’m interested in your perspective on what the Catholic Church calls the first cardinal virtue: Prudence. What does it mean to you? How important is it in your life? Do you have any practical examples of how it has been modeled or applied in your experience?

Peace

My personal understanding of “Prudence” is the ability to do “the right thing,” The right way," at the right time."

I have applied this understanding to my Faith Sharing for MANY years now. I do so by first seeking folks who have demonistrated a desire to learn about our Catholic Faith, and then asking questions about there former faith experieces, and what there goals are.

I especially look for an opportunity to address for them areas of specific interest; or possible wrong understanding. I do this as One on One Faith lessons and encourage them to ask alot of questions.

Then I take care to NOT SHARE my opinions; and stick to the position of the CC, and back up these teachings with information that they can verify. Usually from the Bible and our Catechism, but also other sources I can trust.

And I too pray before starting and offer a prayer in gratitude when completed to my constant helper; The Holy Spirit.

Hope you find this helpful?

God Bless,
Pat

 

[tsering]

Prudence is a rather broad word. Though, I think prudence in our speech is the most important aspect. Words always seem to have an impact disproportionate to their size. James has some rather good things about prudence in our speech.

“Prudence is the virtue that disposes practical reason to discern our true good in every circumstance and to choose the right means of achieving it: ‘the prudent man looks where he is going.’ 'Keep sane and sober for your prayers.” Prudence is ‘right reason in action,’ writes St. Thomas Aquinas, following Aristotle." (CCC 1806) (1st quote from Prov 14:15, 2nd from 1 Pet 4:7)

So you’re saying the prudent man watches what he says. Wow, I need to cultivate this! Thanks.

Would you say that prudence also means what most today call discernment?

Peace

 

[tsering]

My personal understanding of “Prudence” is the ability to do “the right thing,” The right way," at the right time."

I have applied this understanding to my Faith Sharing for MANY years now. I do so by first seeking folks who have demonistrated a desire to learn about our Catholic Faith, and then asking questions about there former faith experieces, and what there goals are.

I especially look for an opportunity to address for them areas of specific interest; or possible wrong understanding. I do this as One on One Faith lessons and encourage them to ask alot of questions.

Then I take care to NOT SHARE my opinions; and stick to the position of the CC, and back up these teachings with information that they can verify. Usually from the Bible and our Catechism, but also other sources I can trust.

And I too pray before starting and offer a prayer in gratitude when completed to my constant helper; The Holy Spirit.

Hope you find this helpful?

God Bless,
Pat

Wow. Very helpful. Please pray that I would be able to do the same. Thank you.

Peace.

 

[PJM]

=tsering;7538166]Wow. Very helpful. Please pray that I would be able to do the same. Thank you.

Peace.

Your VERY WELCOME!

These gifts can and should be prayed for. God is VERY prone to granting graces and gifts that aid us Spiritually.

May God quickly grant your desire!

Pat

 

[GeorgeTheWild]

“Prudence is the virtue that disposes practical reason to discern our true good in every circumstance and to choose the right means of achieving it: ‘the prudent man looks where he is going.’ 'Keep sane and sober for your prayers.” Prudence is ‘right reason in action,’ writes St. Thomas Aquinas, following Aristotle." (CCC 1806) (1st quote from Prov 14:15, 2nd from 1 Pet 4:7)

So you’re saying the prudent man watches what he says. Wow, I need to cultivate this! Thanks.

Would you say that prudence also means what most today call discernment?

Peace

I think prudence has more to do with action or lack there of. While I think discernment deals more with understanding and determining the correct action. Once can have discernment but not prudence. Though one rarely has prudence without also having discernment.