Question V: How prudence is acquired, and lost

FIRST, therefore, it is acquired by experience of long time, as is said Job 12. And in much time Prudence. And Aristotle teaches 6. Eth. cap. 8. and 11.

SECONDLY, by the instruction of wise elders, as Aristotle teaches in that cap. 11. and D. Gregory Nazianzen oratione ad Nicolaum; and Cassianus coll. 2. cap. 10. Therefore we are warned in Proverb. 3.: Lean not on your own prudence; be not wise in your own sight. And Eccles. 6. If you have loved to hear, you will be wise. Stand in the multitude of prudent Elders, and join your heart to their Wisdom. See Cassianus above.

It is indeed LOST, partly by forgetfulness, and by wicked affections. By forgetfulness indeed, insofar as it depends on experience, and this on memory, as the Philosopher teaches 1. Metaph. cap. 1. By wicked affections, however: for it depends on a right appetite. Therefore Exodi 23. Do not accept gifts, which even blind the prudent. Rom. 1. When they had known God, they did not glorify him as God, etc. for their foolish heart was darkened.