Prudence

Prudence: wisdom in practical matters.

Then Daniel spoke with prudent counsel to Arioch, who was in charge of the king’s executioners and who had gone out to execute the wise men of Babylon.

Daniel 2:14

Prudence perceives practical in the midst of panic.

King Nebuchadnezzar’s entire court was in a panic because no one could interpret the king’s dream. He issued and put Arioch in charge. As the king’s executioner, Arioch came to deliver the sinister news: even Daniel and his three wise friends were in line for execution.

Instead of reacting in terror, Daniel kept his head, so to speak.

He was sober, alert, and patient. He listened carefully and heard the heart of the matter beneath the hullabaloo: The king was terrified.

A calm person brings comfort in chaos.

Daniel was calm, and he calmed the king’s executioner.

With prudence also comes perception. 

The practical matter at hand became clear to Daniel: the king needed someone who could tell him the meaning of his terrifying dream. Only God could do that, and Daniel suddenly understood exactly what to do.

Join me for devotions next week to learn what happened after and why being urgency-averse is a good discipline. But today, let’s be a non-anxious presence in an increasingly anxious world of bad news.

Prudence is #wisdom in practical matters. We need prudence in the panic. We need people who remain calm and bring comfort amid chaos. Share on X

Have you just received some bad news? Is your kingdom panicking today? Have you ever caught yourself in chaos? Pray for prudence. Ask for the calm that comforts others and look beneath the turbulence for the heart of the matter. Go to the only One who can solve the matter at hand.

Those who know the Lord will understand exactly what to do even when “wise” men and women can’t find the answers.

God gives wisdom in practical matters. Ask Him today.

Lord, I need wisdom in practical matters. Lead me through the chaos of life and use me to be a calm and comfort to others. Amen.