"Again there are abject and honorable virtues; for the world generally despises patience, gentleness, simplicity, and even humility itself, while, on the contrary, it highly esteems prudence, valor, and liberality." - St. Francis de Sales 

Prudence is one of the four cardinal virtues. These four combined with the three theological virtues make up the seven main virtues of the Catholic Faith. (Cardinal virtues: prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude - Theological virtues: faith, hope, and charity.) 

Prudence is that virtue which has to do with acting rightly. It helps us in every action and is essential to the regulation of life in all its parts. This virtue is particularly important as it guides all the other virtues, enabling us to use them in the right way and at the right time. 

The prudent man looks to the future and considers the effect of his current actions upon it. This eye on the future is a guard against wrong action and is essential to virtue. The uncharitable comment that springs so quickly to the tongue is choked backed when the effects of that same comment are considered. All things are touched by this virtue. It is a virtue to work, but imprudent to do so at all hours or at the wrong hours. It is prudent to rest, but to sleep all the time or at the wrong time turns to sloth. We must eat and drink to survive, but to do so in excess turns to yet another vice. A man who turns to prayer knowing that it is necessary for a happy death is a prudent man. "He who keeps his end constantly before his eyes will never sin."

Let us turn to God and His Holy Mother and pray for the virtue of prudence this Lent! 

"The prudent man considers things afar off, in so far as they tend to be a help or a hindrance to that which has to be done at the present time." -St. Thomas Aquinas

 - Benjamin Bielinski

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