Chapter I: The Term “Providence,” § 10
CHAPTER I: ON THE WORD “PROVIDENCE”
§ 10. The word “providence,” as it is drawn from the Scriptures, is familiar even to the oldest writers of the church. Irenaeus (Adv. haeres., ch. 41): “God has the providence of all things.” Eusebius (De praepar. evang., bk. 6, ch. 5): “The laws of true piety declare that the universe exists and is governed by the providence of God.” Jerome (on Jeremiah 12): “No good or evil happens accidentally or apart from providence, but all things happen in accord with the judgment of God.”
Where it is found in the Scriptures.
§ 11. The strongest passages of Scripture in which we find the word “providence” used in reference to God are these: Judith 9:[5–6]: “You did purpose the things that went before and the things that are now and the things that are to come. Your judgments are in Your providence [ἐν προγνώσει].” Wisdom 6:7: “God made both small and great, and He foresees [προνοεῖ] all things alike.” Wisdom 14:3: “It is Your providence [πρόνοια], O Father, that steers it.” Wisdom 17:2: “They were shut in under their roofs, exiles from eternal providence.” That is, they were unable to escape the evil prepared for them by the providence of God and by His righteous judgment.
Synonyms for providence from the Scriptures.
§ 12. It is useful to observe the words with which Scripture explains this subject. Ps. 119:91: “Heaven and earth stand this day by the appointment 
God.” Heb. 1:3: “Upholding (ϕέρων) all things by the word of His power.” Therefore all things would be destroyed if God were not to hold them up with His power. Col. 1:[17]: “Through Him all things hold together [συνέστηκε].” The entire system of the universe would be undone if the power of God were not sustaining all things. There is unique emphasis on the word σύστημα1 [“system”], which denotes the close and beautiful connection of all the parts of the world—their sweetest harmony and symphony. 1 Tim. 4:10: “God is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.” Ps. 36:6: “Man and beast You will save, O Lord.” Wisdom 12:18: “God governs.” As the wise head of the household looks over the entire household, so God looks over the universe which He has created. Wisdom 14:3: “He steers its course.” As a pilot controls his ship amid the waves, so God rules the universe.
By synecdoche “sight” denotes providence.
§ 13. Now if divine providence includes the notion that God is all-seeing (as we shall see a little later [§§ 16–20]), then the entire act of divine providence can be understood by the words “sight” and “foresight” by synecdoche. Consequently, we should by no means take the word “sight” to mean a mere leisurely glance. Gen. 22:8: “He will see” 
, or as the translator has correctly rendered it: “He will provide a sacrificial victim.” 1 Sam. 16:1: “I have provided” 
a king.” Ezek. 20:6: “In a land that I had searched out for them” 
. Heb. 11:40: “God had provided” (προβλεψαμένου τοῦ θεοῦ) “something better for us.” Conversely, because the foresight of God is not bare knowledge, therefore the providence of God is described with the words “making,” “preparing,” and the like. Num. 27:16: “Let God by visiting provide 
a man.” The Septuagint has rendered this as ἐπισκεψάσθω [“visit, examine”]. Judith 11:[22]: “God has done well.” “These things were done by the providence of God,” etc. [Judith 11:19]. Wisdom 8:1: “She reaches mightily from end to end, and she orders all things well.” Wisdom 12:13: “God cares for all things.”
Synonyms for “providence” from the fathers.
§ 14. Here we should also cite the synonymous words with which the devout ancients express the providence of God. Augustine (De Gen. ad lit., bk. 4, ch. 12) calls it administratio, regimen, gubernatio [“administration, rule, governance”]. He also uses the words rego [“control”] and contineo [“hold together”]. Book 5, ch. 20: “He operates in this world. He sets into motion secret things with His wisdom and power. He administers His entire creation with a provident impulse. He is the reason for its continuance.” De civ. Dei, bk. 7, ch. 29: “For created things He established the beginning through to the end of their existing and moving. He keeps, knows, arranges, and organizes the causes of things. He governs the young shoots as they spring forth, grow, and die. He grants suitable life and movement.” Basil: “The sleepless eye beholds all things neither improvidently nor neglectfully on the part of God. He attends to all things as He provides health [σωτηρία] for each.” Based on the ancients, Suidas says: “God administers all things according to His direction [κατ’ οἰκονομίαν], according to His good-pleasure in the good, but according to His consent in the bad.” Nemesius calls it foresight [προμήθειαν], careful attention [ἐπιμέλειαν], etc.