Prudence in Action
Prudence in action involves considering God's will, recognizing human frailty, and cultivating wisdom through humility and submission.
Thomas a Kempis emphasizes the importance of not yielding to every impulse and suggestion, but rather carefully considering things in the light of God's will. He warns against speaking evil of others and encourages perfect men to be discerning and not readily believe gossip. Kempis advises against acting rashly, clinging obstinately to opinions, and spreading gossip, highlighting the wisdom in seeking counsel from wise individuals and being humble and subject to God for true wisdom and peace.
Text
DO NOT yield to every impulse and suggestion but consider things carefully and patiently in the light of God's will. For very often, sad to say, we are so weak that we believe and speak evil of others rather than good. Perfect men, however, do not readily believe every talebearer, because they know that human frailty is prone to evil and is likely to appear in speech.
Not to act rashly or to cling obstinately to one's opinion, not to believe everything people say or to spread abroad the gossip one has heard, is great wisdom.
Take counsel with a wise and conscientious man. Seek the advice of your betters in preference to following your own inclinations.
A good life makes a man wise according to God and gives him experience in many things, for the more humble he is and the more subject to God, the wiser and the more at peace he will be in all things.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Consider God's will in decision-making
- Recognize human frailty and the tendency to speak evil
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II
- Practice wisdom in speech and action
- Avoid acting rashly or clinging to opinions
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III
- Seek counsel from wise and conscientious individuals
- Prioritize humility and submission to God
Key Quotes
“Not to act rashly or to cling obstinately to one's opinion, not to believe everything people say or to spread abroad the gossip one has heard, is great wisdom.” — Thomas a Kempis
“A good life makes a man wise according to God and gives him experience in many things,” — Thomas a Kempis
Application Points
- Take time to reflect on your decisions and consider God's will before acting.
- Be cautious in what you believe and say, and avoid spreading gossip.
- Cultivate humility and seek counsel from wise and conscientious individuals to guide your decisions.