“Prudence As An Uncommon Virtue” [“Reflections On Todd’s intro (p.28), to Adam Smith's Book An Inquiry Into The Nature And Causes Of The Wealth Of Nations Indianapolis : Liberty Classics, 1981 (Vol.I and II) Book 1”]

It seems that Smith, a giver-type,
Saw prudence as a virtue – right
At top of list of wisdom facts,
Which makes life work in daily acts.

Of course this is in Scripture seen,
In Wisdom Lit (for me that’s been
A stimulating thought on life –
Unpacked, gives rise to books I write).

Smith says that prudence is quite rare,
Which moves Joe-average to declare
That such as show it in their acts
Esteemed should be for savvy tacts.

For most folks quite imprudent are,
Thus get themselves bogged down so far
In mud they can no longer walk,
But stand enmired – with endless talk.

Smith says the poor can this way rise –
By living prudently – besides,
They will be held in high esteem,
If prudent life is daily scene.

One can be prudent many ways –
“Acquiring fortune”, Adam says,
Works just as well as other quests
In being esteemed as “Of the best”.

Three traits of such a prudent man?
Frugality, in practice, can
Avoid the trap of needless pain,
And turn a loss to steady gain.

Then industry, persistent work,
Will also help – if poor don’t shirk
Their part in turning life around,
And get their butts up off the ground.

Third, application is a key
To moving up from penury –
Applying self (as seen above)
But even more, enacted love.

Smith says esteem comes ’fore the cash –
Appearance is the cause of that;
For if you look as if you’re rich
(External source as cause of it) –

Folks let you play the game with them –
The game where poverty pretends
“To be okay” – that hollow shell
Of modern life in private hell.

John Wesley (lived same time as Smith)
Saw this as well, and preached of it –
“Plug-in the gospel, girls and boys,
And life turns ’round; skip satan’s ploys.”

But, best remember all this talk
Of boosting circumstance, and walk
In life, has context quite unique –
As Britain got up on its feet.

The second thing to keep in mind,
Is this is what post-Eden finds
Itself bogged down in – what if we
Asked, “What should Kingdom-prudence be?

Thanks Lord for this.

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