Nov
23
Written by:
Bob Flynn
11/23/2009 6:57 AM
Let us say then, leaving unresolved problems behind us, that virtues are in general beneficial characteristics, and indeed ones that a human being needs to have, for his own sake and the sake of his fellows (Philippi Foot, Prof. Emeritus, UCLA, Virtue and Vices).
Prudence
PRU'DENCE, n. [L. prudentia.] Wisdom applied to practice.
Prudence implies caution in deliberating and consulting on the most suitable means to accomplish valuable purposes, and the exercise of sagacity in discerning and selecting them. Prudence differs from wisdom in this, that prudence implies more caution and reserve than wisdom, or is exercised more in foreseeing and avoiding evil, than in devising and executing that which is good. It is sometimes mere caution or circumspection.
Prudence is principally in reference to actions to be done, and due means, order, season and method of doing or not doing. (Noah Webster)
Thomas Aquinas considered "prudence" as the cause, measure and form of all virtues (Catholic Encyclopedia). Sometimes it is represented as such in the Latin, "auriga virtutum" the charioteer (though being a sailor, I prefer helmsman) of virtue. "It seems clear that virtues are, in some general way, beneficial. Human beings do not get on well with out them" (Philippi Foot, Prof. Emeritus, UCLA, Virtue and Vices). If we were to frame this contemporaneously, "I am positive that personal finance is 80 percent behavior and only 20 percent head knowledge" (Dave Ramsey, The Total Money Makeover). It is the absence of prudence and its demonstration in behavior that has lead America to the precipice and its counterfeit may well lead us over the edge. If virtue in general and prudence in particular is "the practice of moral duties merely from motives of convenience, or from compulsion, or from regard to reputation, is virtue, as distinct from religion" (Noah Webster) then the absence of shame in our day has made virtue extinct! It must then be a undisputed fact that morality cannot be legislated because there is no regard for reputation that would compel moral duties. Certainly we wish this were not the case because "virtues have moral implications beyond the individual" and "corruption in organizational leaders impacts stakeholders within and beyond the boundaries of the organization" and thus create an "impact of organizational corruption on economic systems" (Justin A. Irving, M.Div.,Ph.D., Bethel University, Character and Leadership: Situating Servant Leadership in a Proposed Virtues Framework, 2007).
However, the partakers of the Divine and Glorious Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ have the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit invigorating virtue as an integral part of the newness of life. Therefore, in this instance virtue becomes "the practice of moral duties from sincere love to God and his laws" (Noah Webster). So in the tradition of the Apostle Paul to the Romans, we are what we worship. If we say to the Lord of Hosts, Thy will be done, then we are blessed. If the Lord of Hosts says to us, thy will be done, then we are accursed — having been abandoned to a reprobate mind while the wrath of God is revealed against all unrighteousness and all ungodliness! And the oracle said to the Dow, "How low can you go?"
Copyright ©2009 Robert Flynn