prudence

PRU'DENCE, n. [L. prudentia.] Wisdom applied to practice.

Prudence implies caution in deliberating and consulting on the most suitable means to accomplish valuable purposes, and the exercise of sagacity in discerning and selecting them. Prudence differs from wisdom in this, that prudence implies more caution and reserve than wisdom, or is exercised more in foreseeing and avoiding evil, than in devising and executing that which is good. It is sometimes mere caution or circumspection.

Prudence is principally in reference to actions to be done, and due means, order, season and method of doing or not doing.

• Doctrine and Covenants 89:11

  11 Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving.
  

• Proverbs 8:12

  12 I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.
  

• Ephesians 1:8

  8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
  

• 2 Chronicles 2:12

  12 Huram said moreover, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, that made heaven and earth, who hath given to David the king a wise son, endued with prudence and understanding, that might build an house for the Lord, and an house for his kingdom.
  

• Abraham 3:21

  21 I dwell in the midst of them all; I now, therefore, have come down unto thee to declare unto thee the works which my hands have made, wherein my wisdom excelleth them all, for I rule in the heavens above, and in the earth beneath, in all wisdom and prudence, over all the intelligences thine eyes have seen from the beginning; I came down in the beginning in the midst of all the intelligences thou hast seen.
  
  Quotes:
  
  

 It is by the goodness of God that in our country we have those three unspeakably precious things: freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, and the prudence never to practice either of them.
Mark Twain 

In matters of conscience, first thoughts are best. In matters of prudence, last thoughts are best.
Robert Hall 

Prudence is a rich, ugly, old maid courted by incapacity.
William Blake 

Genius always gives its best at first; prudence, at last.
Lucius Annaeus Seneca 

Liberalism is trust of the people tempered by prudence. Conservatism is distrust of the people tempered by fear.
William E. Gladstone 

Do not trust all men, but trust men of worth; the former course is silly, the latter a mark of prudence.
Democritus 

Prudence is but experience, which equal time, equally bestows on all men, in those things they equally apply themselves unto.
Thomas Hobbes 

Prudence is but experience, which equal time, equally bestows on all men, in those things they equally apply themselves unto.
Thomas Hobbes 

Hear the words of prudence, give heed unto her counsels, and store them in thine heart; her maxims are universal, and all the virtues lean upon her; she is the guide and the mistress of human life.
Akhenaton 

Philanthropic humility is necessary if a giver is to do more good than harm, but it is not sufficient - philanthropic prudence is also needed.
Marvin Olasky 

Let no one trust so entirely to natural prudence as to persuade himself that it will suffice to guide him without help from experience.
Francesco Guicciardini 

I will talk and act, not on my knees, but with prudence.
Lech Walesa 
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/prudence.html#LpYfOUCebzKwJICm.99

Personal Definition:

 I think prudence means to think before you act, and to be very careful in what you do, and to be aware of details, and to examine all possibilities before you make a decision

I think that it's the opposite of 'acting on impulse'. 

To be cautious. :)