Prudence is a Virtue
A Reflection by Fred Schaeffer, OFS
Part of para. 1806 of the Catholic Catechism,¹”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.”
Prudence is one of the Cardinal Virtues. It is important: if we don’t have it, we leave ourselves wide open to distraction that seeks us to get away from God. I often ask “What would God have me do?” Of course, we need to be honest in answering this.
We will not have inner strength nor real peace of mind unless we have respect for ourselves, especially when we are a person who easily makes compromises. We are imprudent if we do not respect or show equal dignity to everyone we meet. Be humble, do not imagine you are someone whom you are not. Be a person of principle, inner strength and personal growth.
I am easily distracted. First I thought it was age-related. Maybe, but lately I think it is the evil one trying to divert my attention away from God. Please allow the Lord to inspire your Inner Strength and keep you strong and out of trouble.
Peace and Good,
Fred Schaeffer, OFS
July 27, 2026