Prudence: The Foundation of the Moral Life
Before we begin our exploration of the moral virtues as taught by Saint Thomas Aquinas, it’s important to pause and reflect on the meaning and purpose of virtue itself. The work of cultivating virtue can be demanding—both spiritually and practically—so it’s worthwhile to consider why we pursue it in the first place. Understanding this deeper motivation sustains us in our efforts and gives clarity to the moral life.
Why Virtue Matters
As we discussed in our previous post, virtue became necessary after the Fall of Adam and Eve. Before the Fall, humanity lived in harmony with God and was sustained by the preternatural gifts—such as integrity, infused knowledge, and freedom from suffering. In that state, there was no internal conflict, no disorder of the passions. But with the Fall, these gifts were lost. Human nature was wounded, and living well became a struggle.
Virtue, then, becomes essential. It’s how we are healed and strengthened. It shapes us to live rightly, to love as we ought, and ultimately to become the person God created us to be. Virtue enables us to respond to the changing seasons of life—its joys and trials—with readiness, constancy, and even joy. Through virtue, we receive God’s blessings with gratitude and bear suffering with hope.
Many saints have spoken of life’s trials as opportunities for growth in virtue. Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity expresses this beautifully:
“Everything that happens is a message to me of God’s great love for my soul.”
When seen through the lens of faith, every moment—joyful or difficult—can be a path toward holiness.
Prudence: The Charioteer of the Virtues
With that foundation in place, we begin with the first of the moral virtues: prudence.
Saint Thomas Aquinas defines prudence as “right reason applied to action” (recta ratio agibilium) or, more specifically, “a certain rightness of judgment in matters of action” (ST I-II, Q. 61, A. 4). Prudence gives us the guidance and clarity needed to order all the other virtues well.
Unfortunately, prudence is often misunderstood as mere caution or hesitancy. But in truth, prudence is far more dynamic. It’s not about avoiding risk; it’s about choosing well. Prudence enables us to discern the right means to attain a good end—an end in accordance with God’s will.
It is the habit of reasoning rightly in the concrete circumstances of our lives. Prudence helps us act not only in a way that is morally good but also timely, well-ordered, and directed toward our ultimate goal: union with God.
Unlike virtues such as fortitude or temperance, which govern our emotions and appetites, prudence governs the intellect. It applies eternal truths to everyday decisions. It asks:
What should I do here and now, given the situation before me?
It ensures that our choices aim toward the true good, not merely what we desire in the moment.
As Saint Thomas reminds us, prudence is not just theoretical—it is practical wisdom. It lives in our decisions; in the thousand small choices we make each day.
Prudence in Action
Prudence is often referred to as the “charioteer of the virtues” because it guides and governs them. Consider how it relates to the others:
- Charity gives us the reason why we act (love of God and neighbor),
- Fortitude gives us the strength to act,
- Temperance teaches us how much to act,
- But prudence tells us what to do, when to do it, and how to do it well.
Without prudence, even good intentions can lead to poor outcomes. A generous person might give recklessly and do harm. A courageous person might act rashly and cause danger. Prudence ensures that our virtue is not only well-meaning but also wisely ordered.
How to Cultivate Prudence
Like all virtues, prudence grows through the development of a habit aided by Almighty God’s grace. Here are some practical ways to begin building prudence in your daily life:
- Pray for the Gift of Counsel
Prudence is both a natural and supernatural virtue. While we can and should train our intellect, we also need the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The gift of counsel helps us apply divine truth to real-life situations. Make it a daily habit to pray:
Lord, what would You have me do in this moment?
- Pause and Reflect Before Acting
Even a brief pause can help you act more wisely. Ask yourself:
- Is this action good?
- Is this the right time?
- Will this lead me closer to God—or away from Him?
Over time, this reflective pause becomes second nature.
- Learn from Experience
Prudence grows with experience and reflection. When a situation goes well—or poorly—ask why. What can be learned? What would you do differently next time? Also, look to the wisdom of others: the saints, mentors, spiritual directors. The prudent are humble enough to learn not just from their own lives, but from others as well.
- Keep Your End in Mind
Always make decisions in light of your ultimate goal: holiness and eternal life. This eternal perspective helps us distinguish between what truly matters and what is fleeting or trivial.
- Seek Wise Counsel
Prudent people recognize their own limitations. They’re not afraid to ask for guidance. Scripture tells us:
“Where there is no governor, the people shall fall: but there is safety where there is much counsel” (Proverbs 11:14).
Surround yourself with those who seek God and live with meaning and virtue.
- Examine Your Conscience Daily
A daily examen, like the one developed by Saint Ignatius of Loyola, helps you review the choices you made each day and grow in wisdom. Ask:
- Did I act wisely today?
- Did I seek the true good—or just what I wanted?
- Did I choose the right means to a good end?
Over time, this self-examination strengthens good habits and trains the mind and heart to act with greater clarity and peace.
Conclusion
Prudence isn’t about perfectionism or overthinking—it’s about living intentionally, with our eyes fixed on God. It is a virtue that forms the very backbone of a holy life. When prudence governs our actions, other virtues flourish. And when our choices are rightly ordered, we not only grow in holiness—we become instruments of God’s wisdom and providence in the world.
In our next post, we’ll take a closer look at the parts (or sub-virtues) of prudence and explore how each plays a role in forming a truly prudent person.