Prudence
CCC 1806 Prudence is the virtue that disposes practical reason to discern our true good
in every circumstance and to choose the right means of achieving it; “the prudent man
looks where he is going.” “Keep sane and sober for your prayers.” Prudence is “right
reason in action,” writes St. Thomas Aquinas, following Aristotle. It is not to be confused
with timidity or fear, nor with duplicity or dissimulation. It is called auriga virtutum (the
charioteer of the virtues); it guides the other virtues by setting rule and measure. It is
prudence that immediately guides the judgment of conscience. the prudent man
determines and directs his conduct in accordance with this judgment. With the help of
this virtue we apply moral principles to particular cases without error and overcome
doubts about the good to achieve and the evil to avoid.
Types: Personal, political, regnative, domestic, military
Corresponding Gift: Counsel
Connected Virtues: Docility, shrewdness, reasoning, foresight, circumspection, caution,
good deliberation, good judgment, good decisions
Opposed Vices: Imprudence, false prudence, rashness, impulsiveness, inconstancy,
negligence, thoughtlessness, cunning, guile, dishonesty