While Proverbs was written to gain wisdom as we learned in Proverbs 1, today we read
“I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion.” Pr.8:18
So often ‘prudence’, root word being ‘prude’, is used in a negative light. We’ve all heard, “Don’t be a prude.” Over the years, words such as ‘prude’ and ‘prudence’ have lost their popularity and value. Let’s find a better understanding of the word.
Prudence is having the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason. Synonyms of prudence are good judgement, self control, common sense, forethought, etc. All of which are desirable qualities in all of the human race.
The root word is ‘prude’. A prude is a person who is concerned with decorum or propriety. While today being called a prude is not a compliment, it wasn’t so in the 1600-1700s. Traditionally, it was associated with wisdom, integrity, usefulness & profit.
So what happened that these words have lost their popularity, and their understanding has become demeaning? I believe, plain and simply, the decline of moral values.
In all honesty, I believe God loves prudes. Not only does He love them, He’s calling us to be one. God condones morality, modesty, self control, good judgment, wisdom, all good qualities. In fact He is all good qualities, so might I suggest, our God is prude. He invites us to be imitators of Him as dearly beloved children saying,
“among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality or any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking…For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person…has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” Ephesians 5:1-5
Doesn’t this sound like God encourages a life of prudence?
Now, let’s get this straight! Being a prude does not mean God expects us to be a tight-lipped, rigid person. It just means you are concerned with decorum and therefore practice selfcontrol.
Being prude means you are a wise, well-disciplined, teachable, thoughtful, morality practicing person on a mission to claim his/her inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God! What a privilege this should be to us! What a joy! That joy will not cause us to be unhappy, unsmiling and cold, but rather warm, smiling, inviting, gentle and loving to all those around us.
Let’s be a bit more of a prude today! It’s OK! It’s downright beautiful to our Lord!
Sharing with. …Soul Survivor
Great thoughts. I love your comparison between being rigid and joyless vs wise, well-disciplined, thoughtful, moral person. Love this! Thanks for your work of love in the Proverbs!
This is very good! Definitely something I can apply in my life!
Thank for reading! Your comments make the effort so much more worthwhile! Be blessed!
Great post, Kaylene! The meaning of some words do change over time. It's so important to take God's word in context and as a whole to understand His true meaning and His true heart. Have a blessed weekend!
Thank you, for your kind words, June! He is so good!
Thank you for this post! It was exactly what I needed to read. I can always count on God's word. <3
This wàs a great lesson in morality and self control. Awesome guidance for this generation.
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