Virtues of Character

Prudence

Prudence is concerned with the realistic choice of means towards our true goal, the beatific vision. It’s about thinking first and then acting. It’s about deliberating (thinking about the best means to achieve Christian goals); it’s about weighing these up; and, its about acting in accordance with a well formed conscience. We do this by: using our memory and the experience of trusted authorities; using our intelligence to understand situations; learning from others who may help us to judge; finding out ingenious means to achieving our goals and reasoning about what should be done. It also can see potential problems coming and knows how to deal with them when they arrive.

Prudence keeps our eyes on the true end of man and balances and harmonizes all things in relation to this end. It looks at our particular circumstances and recognises how to use them to reach our end. It has nothing to do with being cautious, especially with money. It also means taking responsibility for oneself, of growing up and being mature. The imprudent man always blames somebody or something else for his problems. He is also rash; reasons unreasonably; is inconstant and negligent. Some may think they are prudent, but on the Christian score they are not: these are those who are so concerned with getting on in the world that they think little of God and the future life, but much more about how to get ahead in the world.