One of my observations over the last
few years is that more and more people aren’t paying attention to how their
actions and words affect others and what’s even more troubling, they don’t seem
to care! It’s as if they have the attitude
“I don’t care what people think, I am going to be true to myself and do and say
what I like.” I understand being “true
to oneself” but what I don’t understand is a total disregard for how our
actions affect others and how they saddle us with certain perceptions that we
may not want others to have about us. It
is time for all of us to use a little “discretion.”
Discretion has a couple of different meanings:
- · Knowing how to avoid embarrassment or distress.
- · Freedom to act or judge one’s own
- · The trait of judging wisely and objectively
With those definitions in mind, let's look at what the Bible has to say about
discretion. Depending on which
translation you are using, the word discretion is also translated “wise choices” (New Living Translation)
or “thoughtfulness” (Young’s Literal
Translation).
Discretion is one of the
characteristics of a “good man”. Psalms
112:5 tells us “A good man deals graciously and lends; He will guide his
affairs with discretion.” Discretion
will guide a man or woman in dealing with the affairs of their life so as to
not bring embarrassment or distress upon them.
I can’t tell you the number of times something has gone through my mind
that I should do or say, but as I thought about all of the “ramifications” of
my actions, and “domino” effect it would have, I would decide it’s better not
to say anything!
Discretion is also something to keep
or possess. Proverbs 3:21—“My son, let
them not depart from your eyes, keep
sound wisdom and discretion." If we are admonished to "keep" discretion then it only stands to reason that if we aren't careful then we can also "lose" our discretion. Be careful not to lose something so valuable!
Leaders need discretion.
When King David was getting ready to turn his kingdom over to his son Solomon
he prayed “May the Lord give you discretion
and understanding when he puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep
the law of the Lord your God.” As a
leader, discretion and the ability to judge wisely and objectively is an
important characteristic. Discretion also
helps us to be obedient to the Word of God and, it is difficult to separate discretion and understanding, because
they go hand in hand.
One of the benefits of using
discretion is that it will protect or preserve you from embarrassing or
distressful situations. Proverbs 2:11—“Discretion
will protect you, and understanding will guard you.” In Shakespeare’s play Henry IV (Part 1) the
jovial knight Sir John Falstaff feigns his death during a fight only to declare
later, “The better part of valor is discretion; in the which better part I have
saved my life.” Using discretion is
often “the better part” of not only valor, but of many situations in our life.
Discretion comes through
wisdom. Proverbs 8:12—“I, wisdom, dwell
together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion.” The wise person chooses their words and
actions carefully! Think twice and speak
or act once!
And I leave you with this Biblical
word picture of a person who doesn’t use discretion. Proverbs 11:22—“As a ring of gold in swine’s
snout, so is a lovely woman (or handsome man) who lacks discretion.”
How will you choose to use
discretion today?
