4.11.10

Prudence (Reading from C. S. Lewis)

"Prudence means practical common sense, taking the trouble to think out what you are doing and what is likely to come of it. Nowadays most people hardly think of prudence as one of the 'virtues'. in fact, because Christ said we could only get into His world by being like children, many Christians have the idea that, provided you are 'good', it does not matter being a fool. But that is a misunderstanding. In the first place most children show plenty of prudence about the things there are really interested in, and think them out quite sensibly. in the second place, as St. Paul points out, Christ never meant that we were to remain children in intelligence: on the contrary, He told us to be not only as harmless as doves but also to be as wise as serpents. we wants a child's heart, but a grown-up's head. he wants us to be simple, single-minded, affectionate, and teachable, as good children are; but He also wants every bit of intelligence we have to be alert at its job, and in 1st-class fighting trim. The fact that you are giving money to a charity does not mean that you need not try to find out whether that charity is a fraud or not. the fact that what you are thinking about is God Himself ( for eg, when you are praying ) does not mean that you can be content with the same babyish ideas which you had when you were a five-year-old. It is of course, quite true that God will not love you any less, or have less use for you, if you happen to have born with a very second-rate brain. He has room for the people with very little senses, but He wants everyone to use what sense they have. The proper motto is not ' Be good, sweet maid, and let who can be clever,' but 'Be good, sweet maid, and don't forget that this involves being as clever as you can.' God is no fonder of intellectual slackers than of any other slackers." (C. S. Lewis, The joyful Christian)

Prov 2:1-2, 5,9-10
My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding,..., then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. .... then you will understand what is right and just and fair - every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.

Dear God, I pray for prudent mind in dealing with life affairs. teach me and grant me the spirit of wisdom. In Jesus name, AMEN

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