Discretion

Proverbs 11:22 Today’s proverb is one of my favorites. Whenever I meet a woman who lacks discretion, immediately I have this mental picture of a pig with a beautiful gold-jeweled ring in her snout. Sometimes I have to battle this image in my mind, because it does cause me to be closed to anything this woman might have to say.

What is discretion? Webster’s defines discretion as “the power to discern and judge, the freedom to make decisions and choices, being careful about what one does and says, prudence.” I have mentioned before how wisdom, prudence and discretion are usually linked together. They are like God-assigned bodyguards who keep us out of trouble.

Over the years I have met a few women who lack discretion. If you are reading this and think you might be one of these women in my life, don’t worry. The fact that you are reading this devotional means that you do have some discretion. When I meet a woman or a man who lacks discretion, I know exactly how to pray for them. I pray they will grow in the wisdom that comes from above. James 3:17 says, “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.”

A person who operates in the wisdom that comes from above will be a discreet person who knows when to speak and when not to speak. To put it bluntly, a discreet person knows when to keep his mouth shut.

The other day I was so excited about going to an event where I would meet some new Christians. I always love fellowshiping with Christians because the subject we always share in common is the Lord and what He is doing in our lives. As I entered the home, several groups were already gathered while we enjoyed refreshments. As I floated from group to group, I was so disappointed. One group was discussing a recent murder in Atlanta. Another group was discussing an interview with a sports figure on TV that was less than edifying. Everything being discussed was what these ladies had seen on TV the night before. I thought to myself, Garbage in, garbage out. We speak what we have filled our minds with, and so often it is just garbage.

To grow in discretion, we must submit ourselves daily to a fresh washing of the Word of God. The world around us is so cluttered with garbage and filth that if we do not do this, our minds will never be renewed and the thoughts we think and the things we say and do will lack discretion.

Lord, help me to fill my mind with Your Word and to develop discretion.

READ: Numbers 32:1-33:39; Luke 4:33-5:11; Psalm 64:1-10; Proverbs 11:22