Prudence is a virtue. Google defines it as “acting with care for the future.” The steward is doing something wrong here, but I could never understand why today’s parable suggests that prudence is wrong. Then I learned that some Bible translations substitute shrewd for prudent, and the parable made sense.

In shirking responsibility for his mistakes, the steward cheats everyone. He steals from his master, manipulates the debtors, and earns himself the title dishonest. He somehow convinces all parties that this façade is a good deal, devising a short-term solution to the problem he caused but incurring long-term losses for all.

In many ways, our economic system continues to reward the steward’s version of prudence. For companies to gain wealth, we are encouraged to consume at an unsustainable pace. This consumption contributes to our environmental challenges, increasing wealth gaps, and encourages corporate models that disrespect the dignity of workers. Companies are commended for immediate growth, so they continue in these patterns, but I worry about what will happen when these systems self-destruct.

It is easy to fall into the same excuses the steward did when faced with the consequences of our shortsightedness: “I am not strong enough”, or “I am ashamed.” If we do not think beyond our generation, there are few compelling reasons to be selfless, generous, or truly prudent.

In contrast, Christ took responsibility for all our mistakes and secured our positions in his Father’s house rather than worrying about where he would end up. In him, we see how the children of light should act with care for the future.

The steward inspires me to consider when I may be tempted into short-term thinking. As Christians, may we always remember that we are working toward eternity.nd department. Writers who wish to include a former last name or maiden name, please do so in parentheses between the first name and last name. Parents or grandparents of a current student or alumnus/a please indicate “ND Parent.”