Choose a topic from Part 2B:

53. Imprudence

1. Imprudence is the absence or lack of prudence. Whenthis lack is a person's own fault, it is a sin.

2. Sinful imprudence is a special sin, for it standsopposed to the special virtue of prudence. Yet, in one sense,imprudence is a general sin, for it takes in several other sins.These sins are: precipitation, thoughtlessness, inconstancy, andnegligence.

3. Precipitation is an inordinate rushing into actionunder the impulse of will or passion. It is plain to see that thissin has the character of imprudence.

4. Thoughtlessness, as a sin of imprudence, is a willfulfailure to judge a situation rightly because of a contempt for, ora neglect of, the things on which right judgment depends.

5. Inconstancy, as a sin of imprudence is the unwiseceasing from, or withdrawal from, a good purpose that has beenprudently taken up. Inconstancy results from appetite uncontrolledby prudent reason.

6. All these imprudences-precipitation, thoughtlessness,inconstancy-are born of appetite inordinately given to pleasures ofsense, and especially lustful appetite. We may justly say thatthese sins of imprudence are largely from lust.

"Though the path is plain and smooth for people of good will, those who walk it will not travel far, and will do so only with difficulty if they do not have good feet, courage, and tenacity of spirit. "
St John of the Cross, OCD - Doctor of the Church

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"The name of Jesus, pronounced with reverence and affection, has a kind of power to soften the heart. "
St Philip Neri

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"Happy is the youth, because he has time before him to do good. "
St Philip Neri

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