THE SHEPHERD’S STANDARD: The Quality of Prudence

“A bishop then must be…sober-minded…” (1 Timothy 3:2 NKJV)

                                                                                           

This quality of the pastor is translated, “prudent” in the NASB95 version.  Prudence is characteristic of someone who is thoughtful and wise.  They think things through and do the right thing, the right way, at the right time, and for the right reason.

Similarly, the NRSV renders it, “sensible.”  The man who would lead the church must possess sanctified common sense!  That seems an attribute in short-supply among preachers these days!

Then, the NLT has it, “live wisely.”  The pastor who has such a lifestyle has received this wisdom from God.  It has come to him through prayerful, persistent meditation on God’s Word and consecrated application of its principles.  These truths have become woven into the fabric of his daily life.  You both hear it and see it in the man of God.

Warren Wiersbe notes, “it suggests that he knows the value of things and does not cheapen the ministry or the Gospel message by foolish behavior.”^[1]  This underscores that a pastor must be wary of gimmicks and foolish behavior that turns the pulpit into a carnival and transforms him into a clown!  Such methods may be well-intended—to draw a crowd to hear the Gospel—and yet they cheapen the very message that is conveyed.

Consider this additional word, “A ‘prudent’ man is disciplined, knows how to properly order his priorities, and is serious about spiritual matters.”^[2]  The pastor needs to stay on task.  Satan would get us side-tracked on side-issues—lesser things, even good things—that hinder us from doing the main things that yield maximum impact.  Prudence helps the Lord’s servant avoid such pitfalls.

A PRAYER

Omniscient Lord,

You know all things.  You have promised wisdom for the asking.  I have Your Word as a Lamp unto my feet and a Light for my path.  Thank You for Your sweet Spirit to instruct me in the way I should go.  I will foolishly take the Devil’s detour unless You guide me.  Oh Lord, my Shepherd, direct my steps that I might then lead Your flock in a prudent way. 

In the name of the Lord Jesus,

Amen.

                    

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^[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (1 Ti 3:1). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

^[2] MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2006). The MacArthur study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (1 Ti 3:2). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.