The Importance of Prudence in Leadership

Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274), a Dominican Philosopher and Theologian, a thirteenth-century European who reshaped Western philosophy as no other was noted

for saying that prudence is the “Queen of Moral Virtues.”

Of the cardinal virtues, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance, I would venture to say that Prudence is a necessary ingredient in all the virtues, without which they would degenerate into folly and excess.

But what is prudence? Maybe it helps if we say what prudence is not. It is not to be

confused with timidity or fear, nor with duplicity or dissimulation. Imprudence is identified

as thoughtlessness. Such is often the product of indifference or impatience, or of a

mentality of assuming to know what is best without seeking the advice of known

successful leaders.

The imprudent individual might say, “I always tell the truth, and I tell it no matter how

hard it is or how much it hurts.” The prudent individual would know how and when to

express truth, that is, he says the right thing in the best way, or he holds his tongue.

Abraham Lincoln is reported as saying, “Always tell the truth, but don’t always be saying

it.”

Prudence, to modern thinking, signals caution or shrewdness. Jesus uses this

characteristic in relation to the wise builder in the parable of the wise /foolish builders in

Matthew 7:24-27. In our history, Hitler’s decision to go into Russia and the recent

The Afghanistan pull-out was not a prudent decision.

The imprudent individual is often vacillating, covering indecision by claiming to have

weighed all circumstances and consulting all experts, then moving forth, thinking his

actions and words are irreproachable. The prudent person knows that he cannot enjoy

the luxury of certainty. Rather, he is one who draws upon the powers of judgment, not

on supposed proof. Yes, some things are intrinsically good or evil, but the list of both is

short. Most of life’s decisions require judgment and prudence.

I think of the early life of the Apostle Peter. I am fond of comparing myself with

this Apostle’s early years as a disciple of our Lord, as I say, “I am a lot like Peter, in that

my mouth is often a block or two ahead of my mind.” Peter was often speaking without

thinking through what he was saying, thus bringing Jesus’ rebuke. A few examples of

Peter’s imprudence are found in Matthew 14:28-31; 16:23; 26:35; 26:69-75. Reward

yourself by taking a minute to read these passages.

The prudent individual realizes that the principalities and powers of this world are

well-served when they develop prudence. Someone has said that “The prudent man is

no fool who gives what he cannot keep, gaining that which he cannot lose.”

I want to continue this article by talking about prudence in politics and public life.

However, prudence moves me to think that it might be best to continue this discussion in our May newsletter, so I don’t lull you asleep.