The Men of Proverbs: The Prudent Man

The Men of Proverbs: The Prudent Man

Dictionary "PRUDENT": Cautious; circumspect; careful of the consequences, measures or actions.

Hebrew 'PRUDENT': Cunning; to separate mentally; beware; intelligent; guide wittingly; crafty; subtle.

I. Actions of the Prudent Man.

A. Controls His Temper

"A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame." Prov 12:16

B. Conceals Knowledge

“A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.” (Prov 12:23)

C. Gathers Knowledge

1. “Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.” (Prov 13:16)

2. “The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.” (Prov 14:18)

3. “The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.” (Prov 18:15)

D. Takes Heed to Reproof.

“A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.” (Prov 15:5)

E. Foresees Sin.

1. “A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.” (Prov 22:3)

2. “A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.” (Prov 27:12)

a. forseeth = to see; advise self, consider.

b. hideth = to hide; be absent; conceal.

II. Characteristics of the Prudent Man.

A. Understands His Way

1. “The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.” (Prov 14:8)

2. “The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.” (Prov 14:15)

B. Has Wisdom

1. “I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.” (Prov 8:12)

2. “The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.” (Prov 16:21)

C. Does Evil.

"A prudent man foreseeth the evil and hideth himself. but the simple pass on, and are punished." (Proverbs 22:3)

(The word 'Punished' here means to urge or to inflict penalty.)