Imprudence

Imprudence is the absence or lack of prudence. Whenthis lack is a person’s own fault, it is a sin.

Sinful imprudence is a special sin, for it standsopposed to the special virtue of prudence. Yet, in one sense,imprudence is a general sin, for it takes in several other sins.These sins are: precipitation, thoughtlessness, inconstancy, andnegligence.

Precipitation is an inordinate rushing into actionunder the impulse of will or passion. It is plain to see that thissin has the character of imprudence.

Thoughtlessness, as a sin of imprudence, is a willfulfailure to judge a situation rightly because of a contempt for, ora neglect of, the things on which right judgment depends.

Inconstancy, as a sin of imprudence is the unwiseceasing from, or withdrawal from, a good purpose that has beenprudently taken up. Inconstancy results from appetite uncontrolledby prudent reason.

All these imprudences-precipitation, thoughtlessness,inconstancy-are born of appetite inordinately given to pleasures ofsense, and especially lustful appetite. We may justly say thatthese sins of imprudence are largely from lust.