Prudence: An Economy of Life

Prudence

Hear the words of prudence, give heed unto her counsels, and store them in thine heart; her maxims are universal, and all the virtues lean upon her; she is the guide and mistress of human life.

Put a bridle on thy tongue; set a guard before thy lips, lest the words of thine own mouth destroy thy peace.


Let him that scoffeth at the lame take care he halt not himself; whosoever speaketh of another's failings with pleasure shall hear of his own with bitterness of heart.


Of much speaking cometh repentance, but in silence is safety.


A talkative man is a nuisance to society, the ear is sick of his babbling, the torrent of his words overwhelmeth conversation.


Boast not of thyself, for it shall bring contempt upon thee; neither deride another, for it is dangerous.


A bitter jest is the poison of friendship, and he that cannot restrain his tongue shall have trouble.


Furnish thyself with the proper accommodations belonging to thy condition; yet spend not to the utmost of what thou canst afford, that the providence of thy youth may be a comfort in thine old age.


Let thine own business engage thine attention; leave the care of the state to the governors thereof.


Let not thy recreations be expensive lest the pain of purchasing them exceed the pleasure thou hast in their enjoyment.


Neither let prosperity put out the eyes of circumspection, nor abundance cut off the hands of frugality; he that too much indulgeth in the superfluities of life shall live to lament the want of its necessaries.


From the experience of others do thou learn wisdom; and from their feelings correct thine own faults.


Trust no man before thou hast tried him; yet mistrust not without reason, for it is uncharitable.


But when thou hast proved a man to be honest, lock him up in thine heart as a treasure, regard him as a jewel of inestimable price.


Refuse the favours of a mercenary man: they will be a snare unto thee; thou shalt never be quit of the obligation.


Use not today what tomorrow may want; neither leave that to hazard which foresight may provide for, or care prevent.
Yet expect not even from prudence infallible success: for man knoweth not what the night may bring forth.


The fool is not always unfortunate, nor the wise man always successful; yet never had a fool thorough enjoyment; never was a wise man wholly unhappy.