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From the Rector/Catechesis, Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 10/23/22

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

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