The Subjective Parts of Prudence

Reigning prudence belongs to those thatlegislate and exercise government. Aristotle (Polit. iii)says: “Prudence is a virtue proper to the person whorules.”

Political prudence, in its widest meaning,includes reigning prudence. But, in a stricter sense, it is thatspecies of prudence which guides citizens in their loyal obedienceto the requirements of government.

Domestic prudence is the virtue which governsthe reasonableactivities of life in a household. It standsmidway between the prudence of the individual and the politicalprudence which guides the rule of city, state, or kingdom.

Scripture says (Prov. 24:6): “War is managed by dueordering, and there shall be safety where there are manycounsels.” Hence, there is a kind of prudence to be calledmilitary prudence.