Leading With Prudence
“Prudence is right reason applied to action.”
St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica II-II, Q.47, A.2
I’ll be honest “prudence” doesn’t exactly sound exciting. But according to St. Thomas Aquinas — our favorite philosopher-saint and intellectual heavyweight — prudence isn’t boring. It’s the virtue that makes all the others work. He called it the charioteer of the virtues because prudence guides courage, temperance, and justice.
In simple terms? Prudence is practical wisdom. It’s the ability to know the good, judge rightly, and actually do it. Aquinas defines it as “right reason in action,” which is basically the saintly way of saying: “Think before you leap; pray before you post.”
Why Prudence Matters for Leaders
We live in a world that celebrates speed: fast growth, instant results, quick decisions. But prudence slows us down, not to paralyze us, but to make sure we’re acting with wisdom rather than by impulse. Aquinas reminds us that prudence isn’t just about caution; it’s about discernment. He even says that “prudence implies a right ordering of reason toward action.”
In the workplace, prudence means knowing when to speak and when to listen. When to hold the meeting and when to hold your tongue. It’s saying no to a “great opportunity” that isn’t aligned with your mission even if everyone else says yes.
“I, Wisdom, dwell with prudence, and useful knowledge I have.” Proverbs 8:12
In business, that might mean thinking beyond quarterly goals and asking: “Will this decision help my team flourish five years from now? Or will we burn out chasing it?”
The Three Steps of Prudence
Aquinas breaks prudence into three main acts:
Counsel – Take time to gather information and seek advice.
Modern translation: Don’t make that call after your third cup of coffee and zero prayer.Judgment – Evaluate what’s truly good, not just what looks good.
Ask: Is this decision rooted in truth or in ego?Command – Actually do the good thing.
Because prudence without action is just overthinking with extra steps.
In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus urges the disciples - and us - to “Be as shrewd as serpents and simple as doves.” (Matthew 10:16) Prudence helps us balance those characteristics. It keeps us sharp enough to navigate the world’s complexity and pure enough to stay faithful in it.
Prudence vs. Fear (Because They’re Not the Same Thing)
Sometimes we confuse prudence with fear as if being “prudent” means never taking risks. But Aquinas would roll his eyes (in a kind way, of course). True prudence actually requires courage. It’s not afraid to act; it’s just wise enough to act rightly.
For Catholic women in leadership, that might mean taking bold, Spirit-led steps that the world calls foolish like launching that faith-rooted business, hiring the underdog, or prioritizing family when everyone else says hustle harder. Prudence gives you the peace of knowing your “yes” is aligned with God’s will, not worldly pressure.
How to Grow in Prudence
Prudence isn’t a one-time skill. It’s a habit you can develop and a muscle that grows through practice, prayer, and reflection. Aquinas says it’s cultivated through experience, memory, docility, and reasoning. So:
Reflect daily.
Seek mentors who live virtuously.
Pray for discernment before decisions.
“But if any of you lacks wisdom,* he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and he will be given it.” - James 1:5
The Virtue That Makes You Smart
Leading with prudence means trading panic for perspective, chaos for clarity, and impulsive moves for thoughtful action. It’s what turns a frantic to-do list into a series of deliberate, God-honoring steps. Aquinas reminds us that prudence isn’t about hesitation; it’s about knowing when to act, how to act, and why it matters.
So the next time you’re tempted to rush a decision, take a breath, pray, and give your brain a little workout. Because at the end of the day, prudence isn’t just the “queen of virtues.” She’s the quiet powerhouse keeping your calendar, your conscience, and your caffeine intake in check.
Amber Apple is a Digital Marketing Manager by day and a writer by night. When she’s not weaving tales for her novel, you can find her in her natural habitat — snuggled up on the couch, lost in the pages of a captivating book, clutching a steaming cup of tea. Her love language is baking French pastries, so if you’re craving a daily dose of mouthwatering recipes and delightful musings, visit her blog, mrsamberapple.com, or connect with her on Instagram @mrsamberapple.