Saint Thomas Aquinas described prudence as the “mother” of all virtues. As a mother myself
I appreciate the analogy, but I can also appreciate that mothers can have a positive and a
negative effect on their children, often without realising the depth of either. Unfortunately, this
is the reality of our sinful natures.
However, given the important role that prudence makes in our day to day lives, its imperative
that we grow in this virtue, to help our overall growth in all of the virtues.
In his book The Art of Living, Dr Edward Sri describes prudence as “practical wisdom. It
enables us to ‘discern our true good in every circumstance and to choose the right means of
achieving it.’ (CCC1806)
In other words prudence means perceiving reality as it truly is and then making decisions
based on that perception. It does not simply mean being cautious, in fact it doesn’t really
mean that at all. Seeing things clearly, understanding the true reality of the situations in front
of us and then acting in accordance with that, goes far beyond the realm of mere caution. In
fact, Sri argues that prudence may occasionally compel us to take a radical or ‘risky’ step.
So how do we see things correctly and act in accordance with that reality?
Saint Thomas Aquinas posits that there are 3 elements of prudence: counsel, judgement
and decisiveness. In order to grow in the virtue of prudence we need to grow in each of
these as well. And this is easier said than done.
But the following questions might help you at each stage of the process:
Step 1: Prudent Counsel
– Is there someone I trust to give me good counsel, in this area?
– If so, am I willing to approach them for advice?
– Am I willing to listen to the counsel of others or am I stubbornly sticking to what I
think is best?
– Am I allowing my emotions, my feelings, too much sway in this decision?
– Am I being too impulsive? Do I need to exercise more restraint?
Step 2: Prudent Judgement
– What knowledge can I bring to this decision based on similar experiences in the
past?
– What can I learn from those wiser – more experienced – than me?
– Do I have a firm grasp of the moral and ethical good?
– Do I trust in God’s commandments and His principles for life?
– Am I making this decision based on a self-seeking desire? If so, what is that desire?
Prudent Decisiveness
– Am I fully committed to this decision, this course of action?
– Am I hesitant to undertake this path because of the potential negative
consequences?
– Am I willing to be resolute in this decision or would I rather put it off, and hope it goes
away?
– Is this the best option? If so, what is stopping me from moving forward?
-Can those fears be mitigates?
Of course, it is possible to receive good counsel and judge correctly what you need to do,
then fail to be resolute in carrying it out. Just as it is possible to be seen to listen to good
counsel but have already made a decision based on your own preconceived ideas.
Like all of the virtues, developing prudence requires discernment and prayer, but it also
requires a resolution to improve ourselves.
You and I both know that would be prudent to make, and stick to, that resolution!
Written by Emily Shaw
VM Writer and Graphic Designer. Wife of one, mother of 8. Tackling growth in virtue one (baby) step at a time.