Championing Prudence

Sometimes, life feels like a maze of events. We all experience days where everything seems to lead us further away from our purpose, leaving us entangled in frustration and searching for a way out. These moments can be disorienting, making it difficult to see the path ahead. 

  

Over the years, by applying the steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), I have found the words of Bill Wilson to ring true: 

  

"Prudence in practice creates a definite climate, the only climate in which harmony, effectiveness, and consistent spiritual progress can be achieved." 

— As Bill Sees It: Courage and Prudence, p. 91 

  

This climate of harmony, effectiveness, and spiritual growth begins with slowing down our thoughts. The first steps are taking a moment for prayer and embracing a beautiful thought. If time allows, meditation can bring deeper clarity. If not, a simple mental image of a quiet beach, mountain, or meadow can serve as a refuge from the relentless pace of life. As Bernard Berenson wisely expressed: 

  

“I would, I could stand on a busy corner, hat in hand, and beg people to throw me their wasted hours.” 

  

It takes less than a minute to switch tracks from the chaos of life to a place of peace and reflection. 

  

Prudence is often overlooked, yet it is a fundamental virtue. As Voltaire noted: 

  

"Prudence is a universal virtue, which enters into the composition of all the rest; and where she is not, fortitude loses its name and nature." 

  

Thomas Aquinas, the great medieval theologian, regarded prudence as the guiding force of all virtues, calling it the "charioteer of the virtues." It steers and measures other virtues, ensuring they are applied wisely. 

  

As you begin your day, consider the wisdom of Publilius Syrus, a Latin writer of maxims: 

  

"Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm." 

  

True prudence reveals itself in navigating life’s storms, not merely in moments of ease. Quiet and deliberate thought will always accomplish more than scattered and random actions. 

  

The Bible offers timeless wisdom on this matter: 

  

"But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." 

— (Psalm 1:2-3, KJV) 

  

Similarly, the Book of Mormon echoes this thought: 

  

"And behold, as the tree beginneth to grow, ye will say: Let us nourish it with great care, that it may get root, that it may grow up, and bring forth fruit unto us. And now behold, if ye nourish it with much care it will get root, and grow up, and bring forth fruit." 

— (Alma 32:37) 

  

By embracing prudence, we cultivate a life rooted in wisdom, allowing us to navigate difficulties with grace and purpose. The careful nourishment of our thoughts and actions will ultimately bear fruit, guiding us toward a life of spiritual fulfillment and peace.