Prudence, Discretion, and Strength

A few days ago I wrote about Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding & Technology.  (You can read that post here.  http://randomobservationsofacommonchristian.blogspot.com/2011/11/whats-difference.html )

Well after reading Proverbs Chapter 8, I'd like to add to that list.

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Proverbs 8:12(NKJV)

12    “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence,      And find out knowledge and discretion.

Proverbs 8:14(NKJV)

14    Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom;     I am understanding, I have strength.

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Prudence (from the root prudent), discretion, and strength.  What do those words mean exactly?  Let's look.

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pru·dent

adjective

1.  wise or judicious in practical affairs; sagacious; discreet or circumspect; sober.

2. careful in providing for the future; provident: a prudent decision.

Pasted from <http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/prudent>

dis·cre·tion

noun

1. the power or right to decide or act according to one's own judgment; freedom of judgment or choice: It is entirely within my discretion whether I will go or stay.

2. the quality of being discreet, especially with reference to one's own actions or speech; prudence or decorum: Throwing all discretion to the winds, he blurted out the truth.

Pasted from <http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/discretion>

strength

noun

1. the quality or state of being strong; bodily or muscular power; vigor.

2. mental power, force, or vigor.

3. moral power, firmness, or courage.

4. power by reason of influence, authority, resources, numbers, etc.

5. number, as of personnel or ships in a force or body: a regiment with a strength of 3000.

Pasted from <http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/strength>

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I think we already agree that it is good to have wisdom, knowledge, and understanding in our lives.  How about prudence, discretion, and strength?  Do you think your lives would be better off if you had those attributes as well?  If the answer is yes then what are you waiting for?  God has already told us how important they are and that He will provide them to us if we do what?  If we diligently seek!

How do we do that?  Well I would start with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  If you haven't asked Christ to be the Lord of your life yet, what are you waiting for?  Next is get into the scriptures and get plugged into a good church.

But it really goes way beyond that in my opinion.  God gives us this instruction not just for our spiritual lives but for all areas of our lives.  Make a list of all of the areas of your life that are important to you or that you would like to improve.  Now make sure that every week you devote a little time to improving your knowledge in each of those areas. 

Want a better relationship with your spouse or family?  Then spend a little time each week gaining knowledge on how to improve relationships.  Want a better job situation?  Then spend a certain amount of time each week gaining wisdom that will improve your employability situation.  I don't mean do it if you get around to it.  I mean put it in your schedule.  Why?

Because God said to "diligently seek"!