Prudence

Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? (Matthew 6:27)

The path of life leads upward for the prudent to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead. (Proverbs 15:24) 

Today, I have to begin with what I believe this verse is not saying. It’s not saying, “Be stoic, just grin and bear it,” or “Be fatalistic, there’s nothing you can do about it.” Even more, it’s not saying, “Chuck your brain in the garbage. Don’t worry. Be happy.” Scripture teaches repeatedly that we should be prudent, which means acting and showing care and thought for the future. None of the responses listed involve being prudent. 

As I think about the idea of prudence, it seems to me that it is a good goal for the summer. The area where I live just went “green.” I suspect some people think that means no more masks, dining out regularly, parties, rallies, and protests all permitted. What it means is that businesses may open – carefully, but that all the same general precautions remain. If you don’t want to get sick, and don’t want to give COVID-19 to others, you’ll keep wearing masks and staying away from other people when possible. My old adage works here: “Don’t be stupid. Don’t over-react. Don’t be stupid. Don’t under-react.”  And I’ll add one more, “Don’t be stupid. Don’t act like you’re the health police, or at the very least, be polite about it.” 

There’s a different, however, between being prudent and worrying. One piece of the difference is that worrying deals with what one can’t do anything about, while prudence addresses what one can do something about. Somewhere along the line, the term prudent fell into disfavor. The modern term used in its place is pro-active. 

When I came home from Florida this spring, I was facing a future that wasn’t what I planned, but I was also facing a sense that I am not prepared for emergencies, or (if the truth be told) for much else. Quite frankly, I think a lot of people are in the same boat. I see and hear a lot of people basically looking to someone else to keep them safe and solve their problems. My adventures in solving my own problems are announced regularly on Facebook, partly to motivate me, and partly to motivate my friends. It’s not about doing what I’m doing. I’m not sure I’d wish what I’m doing on an enemy. It’s about doing what you can – being prudent – and leaving what you can’t do to God.

Are you praying, studying Scripture, trusting God, building relationships with your family and friends (including new friends), reading, learning, exercising, getting enough sleep, drinking enough water, eating right, gardening, crafting, singing, dancing, recording what is happening in your life, cooking, preserving…? In short, are you doing anything that moves you forward? Are you being prudent? Or, are you watching TV, looking out your window (not at the birds) and worrying? Or, have you given up?

Friends, we have six months left to 2020. It’s hasn’t been the most pleasant year we’ve ever faced, but while I hope things will get better soon, it’s also possible that things will get much worse. Don’t worry, but take prudent action now to prepare.