Editing Prudence (section)

== Versus imprudence, cunning and false prudence ==

In [[Christianity|Christian]] understanding, the difference between prudence and cunning lies in the intent with which a decision to act is made. The Christian understanding of the world includes the existence of [[God]], the [[natural law]], and [[Morality|moral]] implications of human actions. In this context, prudence is different from cunning in that it takes into account the supernatural good. For instance, the decision of persecuted Christians to be [[martyr]]ed rather than deny their faith is considered prudent.

According to [[Thomas Aquinas]], judgments that take a reasonable form, but are aimed at evil ends or that use evil means, are considered to be examples of "cunning" and "false prudence".<ref name="delany"/>

The Ancient Greek term for prudence is synonymous with "forethought". People, the Ancient Greeks believed, must have enough prudence to prepare for worshiping the Olympian gods.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Homer |title=The Iliad of Homer |date=2011-01-01 |publisher=University of Chicago Press |isbn=978-0-226-47049-8 |location=Chicago London |language=English |translator-last=Lattimore |translator-first=Richmond}}</ref>