My son, pay attention to my wisdom,
turn your ear to my words of insight,
that you may maintain discretion
and your lips may preserve knowledge.
Summary: Discretion is something we could use more of these days. It is the wise use of words and actions. People with discretion avoid many difficulties that those without discretion run into.
In chapter five, Solomon explains to his son the dangers of sexual temptation (Proverbs 5:3). He begins by admonishing us to “pay attention.” The phrase “turn your ear to my words” is a wonderfully graphic description of choosing to listen. Why should we listen? Solomon tells us we will be able to “maintain discretion” and “preserve knowledge.”
My wife and I enjoy watching old mystery and detective shows. Some of them date back to the early days of television. The British stories such as Agatha Christie’s, “Poirot,” or Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s, “Sherlock Holmes” are especially entertaining. Their devotion to form and decorum is delightful.
One line, in particular, comes to mind. Whenever there is a question of public embarrassment, the person seeking help always says, “No one can ever know…” and the detective always replies, “I shall be discretion itself.”
What does that mean?
Discretion is often used to mean that a person knows how to keep secrets. But it also can mean that one can “use their discretion” in taking action. The word “discreet” is the root of discretion. To be discreet is to be careful about what you say or reveal. (It is similar to “discrete” which means to be separate or apart from.)
Think about that for a minute.
Much of Proverbs is about avoiding life’s traps.
“The waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them” (Proverbs 1: 32).
If we fall into Satan’s trap, we become slaves to our sin (John 8:34). We lose the ability to use whatever knowledge we might have and we have no discretion in what actions we take.
However, if we pay attention to Solomon’s advice, we not only save ourselves from a horrible fate, but we keep the knowledge God has given us and, equally important, the discretion to use that knowledge.
Application: Practice being discreet.
Food for Thought: How is discretion a Christ-like quality?
I love how discretion can mean being careful about what comes out of your mouth. And then discretion can mean using wisdom to decide what to do.
In the NASB 5:2 says, “that you may observe discretion” pay attention, listen, notice discretion so your lips have knowledge.
If one looks at the, restraining what comes out of the mouth , portion. Jesus practices this lots.
First, that He doesn’t just go around saying, “listen to me because I am God” accurate, but that doesn’t win souls.
Second, that He is very specific about forgiving sins vs healing. He does both, but we learn so much more when He breaks things down and is distinct.
Third, that He tells the demons to shut up. This one is weird, they were being very accurate at the time, but they were indiscreet.
Fourth, that He instructs the disciples and many of whom He healed to wait before telling people about all that He has done.
Fifth, He uses parables. Those seem a bit like a time release sermon. You don’t get it now, but you will later.
Point being, He practices it.
What about the action portion? He also does that too! He does different things for healing people with the same ailment. He didn’t walk on water for everyone to see. He waits to go to Lazarus. He travels through Samaria. He reattaches the ear of the soldier in the midst of stressing Him!
Again, the attribute is present. He is very deliberate about what He does and says in each situation.
A —
Nicely put! Interesting point about the demons not being discreet. I also like your comment about parables being “time release sermons.” 🙂
03-04-2022, Proverbs 5:1-2, How is discretion a Christ-like quality?
“A” has done a fine job breaking this down.
Discretion is not about hiding anything and is closely linked with self-control, which is one of the nine fruits of the Sprit listed in Galatians 5:22-23.
We are called to trust in the Lord with all our heart, and lean not on our own understanding. In all our ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct our paths.
Proverbs 3:5
The Holy Spirit, dwelling in all believers is the power to be Christ-like. There are times when problems, misunderstandings come up and the best thing to do, is to exercise discretion by saying nothing.
Ron,
You remind me of what my mom used to say (a lot!), “If you can’t say anything nice, then don’t say anything at all.” 🙂 Go Mom!
If something is Christ like character, then we should see that attribute exhibited in the life of Christ. And in this case we do. A had a great list and R2T2 added to it nicely. I could try to add more but enough evidence is in. Jesus used discretion and thus maybe we should to.
I would note that like many things, discretion can be used for evil purposes. I on more than one occasion have had come back something I said to someone in a meeting. I did say what came back to me, but the context was radically held back so it appeared that I said something that I really did not. That is using discretionary tactics to deceive. That is not Christ like. So we should not only use discretion, but use it to be truthful and honor the Lord. Use discretion, but use it like Christ did.
Rich,
Good illustration. I think that might apply to the Media as well. It is often surprising to discover that context changes everything.
Thank you brother. I am really enjoying your cartoons. You could publish those – they are really very well done.
Thanks Rich!
I appreciate the encouragement. They are fun to do! 🙂
Jeff, I didn’t realize the art work was your doing. Quite a talented young man.
Ron
Thank you, Ron!
Just keep in mind that when you look at my cartoons you are seeing what I see all the time in my brain. 🙂
You’re doing the illustrations too Jeff?! That’s fantastic. I love the snail you drew me. I still have it up displayed in my room. You are gifted on so many levels. Love you dearly brother. Sorry I’ve been so silent. I’ve been incredibly busy to the point of burn out.
The American curse – burnout. Take care of yourself brother. Praying for you as I send this out.
Chris,
Thank you for the kind words! I am grateful to hear that you are still checking in on the blog!!
I am glad to hear that you are busy, as well. Busy-ness can be a blessing. Burnout, of course, is taking it too far. I will join with Rich in praying that you stay on the happy side of the line enjoying God’s presence and his Peace.