In any discussion of the cardinal virtues, prudence generally comes first. The reason is simple; it is the virtue that helps guide the others. In fact, the Catechism of the Catholic Church uses the ancient phrase “charioteer of the virtues” (1806) when describing it.

Essentially, prudence is about choosing the right way to do the right thing. For this to happen, it requires that we’ve first taken the time to form our conscience well so that we can recognize the right thing as the right thing. Once it is known, prudence also enables us to choose a good means to achieve that good end. This is why prudence is so critical to live a moral life.

Sometimes it is relatively easy to recognize the right thing, but simply recognizing it is not enough. Recognizing the proper way to achieve that good thing is where so many of us can go wrong. For example, if I’m a student and desire to achieve a good grade in one of my classes, that is a wonderful thing to strive for. But the means I employ to achieve that goal is where prudence becomes necessary.

If I choose to cheat on my exams, I might be able to achieve a good grade, but no one would claim that achieving it that way is in fact a good thing. A good end is corrupted if I use an evil or sinful means to achieve it. And we can think of many examples like this.

Prudence helps me to recognize that achieving something good must at the same time be done by an appropriate and good means for it to be truly good. So prudence helps me to eliminate the inappropriate or evil ways to achieve something good by recognizing them as wrong.

But even after doing that, I may still have several options to choose from — none of which may be morally wrong. Prudence also helps me to choose the best means to achieve that good end, especially when there might be several legitimate options. A simple illustration might help.

Using the same example of achieving a good grade in a class, I might be able to do so honestly in a couple of ways. I could spend the entire night before an exam studying all the material in somewhat of a cram session. If I learn the material, and do well on the exam, I haven’t resorted to cheating or dishonesty  — but it is easy to see that there might be a better way to achieve that good grade.

Prudence would help me to recognize that studying throughout the days and weeks before the exam — and not just the day before — is likely a far better way to learn the material and do well in the class.

Even though a good grade may be achieved in either way, prudence tells me that one approach is likely far better than the other. The important role prudence plays therefore, cannot be overstated — it not only helps me to know what to choose and what to avoid, but helps me to know the best way to achieve something good.

How does one get more of this virtue? Well, as with any virtue, we must begin by learning to practice it in small ways first. Taking time to reflect on our choices, weighing them in the light of our faith, and being resolved to act in the best way, not always just the most convenient or efficient way, is where it begins.

Recognizing any tendency we might have to be impetuous or compulsive in decision making is also important. Sometimes the best thing we can do to grow in prudence is to take time with our decisions and bring them to prayer.

Doing this, my chances of growing in prudence increase greatly, since including prayer and reflection in our decision making is already a very prudent thing to do!