Prudence calls to mind a girl I knew in grade school named that. I suppose it would be a difficult name to try to live up to. I am thankful I was not named Prudence because I would be constantly teased since in my case it would be an oxymoron. Although there are many situations that call for prudence, my biggest struggle is with with what comes out of my mouth–ill timed words.
I am famous for the “blurt,” comments that go straight from the brain out the mouth. These don’t include profanity, but rather what I think of as truths which can be received as attacks. A long standing relationship came to an abrupt end when I blurted something I thought the other knew about herself. It turned out to be wounding, provoking a sharp:”You are not safe!” Followed by the phone being slammed down. I have still not found a way to restore things.
I also can easily come up with words I think of as humorous quips. These definitely could benefit from a little prudence. Not everyone’s sense of humor is as (you choose an adjective)(sharp?warped?sardonic?sarcastic?cynical?) as mine. Good to remember if I am going to be prudent with my speech.
Don’t worry. I am not going to go silent. But if I am to improve my virtue of prudence I might adapt the carpenter’s rule of “measure twice, cut once.” In my case “think twice, speak once.”
Saved By Words 
This was a wonderful post. A pleasure to read. And Prudence is not the most beautiful of names.
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Thanks. I like the idea that it was a pleasure to read.
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I love that carpenter’s rule. There might be a good reason we have two cerebral hemispheres and only one mouth. Amazing post !
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Thanks. I usually remember the carpenter’s one after cutting something too short.
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I am cut out of the same mold and am also learning prudence through a lifetime of experiences.
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Life will sure help us hone our prudence.
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The offended reaction to truth surprises me every time. I also constantly get in trouble for that. Dad says I’m too honest for America. So these days, I learn not to volunteer my opinions.
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I guess I am too honest for America, too.
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That’s a sad thing to be anywhere. Honesty is supposed to be a virtue.
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Pretty funny that it has to dance with the virtue of prudence. Maybe by the time I’m 80.
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I’m not sure even 80 is hope enough for me. I might be stuck this way for a lifetime…
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Ha ha! Great advice!
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Thanks.
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Oh wow, you spoke to me here, goodness! It’s so true that not everyone has the same sense of humor–I’ve learned that the hard way. And I’m sorry about the relationship you referenced–but maybe that person needs to work on having “grace”, because we all have “off” days and say things we never intended to be hurtful. It’s impossible to always “think twice” in the fast-moving world we live in–if I did that every time a response was called for, the person would be long gone while I’m cogitating on “kindness”… you may laugh here, as I intended “humor” 🙂
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I like the clue that it is humor. Maybe I could come up with a hand signal.
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Words come out my mouth a LOT without stopping long enough in my brain. Enjoyed this post.
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Glad to know I am not alone.
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Great post
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Thanks.
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