Prudence
Prudence is practical wisdom about choosing the right good in particular circumstances.
"There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens" (Ecc 3:1-8). It is by the virtue of prudence that we decide what time it is.
It is one of the four cardinal virtues.
It is by means of the virtue of prudence that we apply general maxims to concrete cases.
Most of our lives are made up of decisions that are not determined by the Ten Commandments, the laws of the Church, or the law of the land. Wisdom is the gift that gives all other gifts. The wise person knows how to deal rightly with people, places, and things.
In prudential judgments we make up our own minds about what seems best. The issue in such cases is not a choice between good and evil but between one good thing and another.
Examples of prudential judgments
Vocation
- What school should I attend?
- What should I choose as a major?
- Should I try to enter the priesthood or religious life?
- Should I marry?
- If so, whom? How? When?
- Where should I live and work?
Temporal Needs
- How should I take care of my bodily health?
- What should I eat?
- What should I refrain from eating?
- How much should I exercise?
- What kind of exercise is best for me?
- What kind of clothing should I wear?
- How much money should I spend on clothing?
- What kind of car should I drive?
- How much money should I spend on my car?
- What kind of insurance should I obtain for my car?
- How fast should I drive under these conditions?
- Should I buy a house or rent?
- If I'm inclined to buy a house, which house should I buy?
- How much should I spend on renovations?
- How much money should I save?
- How should I invest the wealth I have at my disposal?
- Should I work for someone else or start my own business?
Spiritual needs
- What parish should I attend?
- How should I pray?
- What sacrifices should I make during Lent?
- How much should I fast?
- How should I study the Bible?
- Should I make a retreat?
- What kind of retreat should I make?
- Should I seek a spiritual director?
- Should I attend the wedding of families or friends who are lapsed Catholics or who are anti-Catholic?
- Should I confront others about their wrongdoing?
- Should I persist in trying to prove atheists wrong?
- How should I recreate?
- Questions that answer themselves
- Should I call in during this radio program? [Yes, yes!]
- Should I join the Calling All Catholics Facebook page? [Yes, yes!]
- Should I donate more money to The Station of the Cross? [Yes, yes!]