Bible Verses About The Prudent

This morning I opened my Bible to Proverbs 14 which begins with this:

The wise woman builds her house,
But the foolish pulls it down with her hands.

I wrote in A Wise Woman Builds Her Home about Proverbs 14:1 as it’s something I’ve been pondering quite often the past few years.

While reading this morning I noted how often the word prudent came up. A few years ago I wrote a series about The Prudent and Prepared Homemaker so the big idea of being prudent is something I’ve discussed before at length.

I decided today to put together this post that highlights several Bible verses that offer instruction regarding being prudent. Take note of what prudent is contrasted with in each verse.

I hope you find these helpful today as we navigate challenging days.

All Scripture is from the Berean Study Bible unless otherwise noted.

Prudent In Proverbs

A fool’s anger is known at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.
Proverbs 12:16

A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly.
Proverbs 12:23 (ESV)

Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his folly.
Proverbs 13:16

The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them.
Proverbs 14:8

The simple man believes every word, but the prudent man watches his steps.
Proverbs 14:15

The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
Proverbs 14:18

A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction is prudent.
Proverbs 15:5

The wise in heart will be called prudent, And sweetness of the lips increases learning. 
Proverbs 16:21 (NKJV)

Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips, he is considered prudent.
Proverbs 17:28 (NASB)

The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
Proverbs 18:15 (NKJV)

Houses and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.
Proverbs 19:14

The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences.
Proverbs 22:3

The prudent see danger and take cover; but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
Proverbs 27:12

Prudent In The Old Testament

Therefore, the prudent keep silent in such times, for the days are evil.
Amos 5:13

Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, and the righteous walk in them but the rebellious stumble in them.
Hosea 14:9 (discerning is prudent in NKJV)

Prudent In The New Testament

In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight.
Luke 10:21 (NKJV)

For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.”
1 Corinthians 1:19 (NKJV)

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