Discretion is about using wisdom and good judgment in our actions and words. The Bible highlights the importance of discretion in our relationships, decisions, and how we carry ourselves. Let’s look at what scripture says about living with wisdom and discernment in everyday situations.
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What Does The Bible Say About Discretion
Proverbs 2:11
Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.
This verse emphasizes the importance of discretion in our lives. It teaches us that when we exercise discretion, it acts as a shield of protection and helps us make wise decisions.
Discretion is the ability to use good judgment and make sound choices. By cultivating discretion, we can avoid trouble and navigate through life with wisdom and discernment.
Proverbs 11:22
Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.
This verse illustrates the negative consequence of lacking discretion. It compares a beautiful woman without discretion to a valuable gold ring in a pig’s snout, which loses its beauty and worth.
Discretion is not only about external appearances but also about internal wisdom. True beauty lies in possessing a discerning mind and making wise choices that honor God.
Proverbs 12:23
A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly.
This verse highlights the virtue of discretion by contrasting it with foolishness. It teaches us that a wise person knows when to keep knowledge to themselves, while a foolish person boasts in their own foolishness.
Discretion involves recognizing the appropriate time and place to share information. It is better to exercise restraint and wisdom in our words, rather than mindlessly sharing everything and exposing ourselves to unnecessary trouble.
Proverbs 13:16
Every prudent man acts out of knowledge, but a fool exposes his folly.
This verse reinforces the importance of acting with discretion and wisdom. It teaches us that a wise person acts based on knowledge and understanding, while a fool reveals their foolishness through their actions.
Discretion requires us to pause and think before we act. Making informed decisions and considering the consequences of our actions is a hallmark of wisdom.
Proverbs 14:15
The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.
This verse shows the contrast between simplicity and prudence. It reminds us that those who lack discretion are easily swayed and believe everything they hear, while the prudent carefully consider their choices.
Discretion encourages us to be discerning and not easily led astray. It calls us to weigh our decisions carefully and seek wisdom from God before making choices that may have long-lasting consequences.
Proverbs 15:28
The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
This verse highlights the importance of discretion in our speech. It emphasizes that the righteous person carefully considers how to respond, while the wicked person speaks without restraint, often uttering evil things.
Discretion teaches us to pause and reflect before speaking, ensuring that our words are edifying and pleasing to God. It reminds us that our words hold power and should be used wisely and thoughtfully.
Proverbs 16:21
The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.
This verse recognizes the connection between wisdom, discernment, and discretion. It acknowledges that a person with a wise heart is considered discerning, and their gracious and persuasive speech comes from exercising discretion.
Discretion enables us to choose words that are not only truthful but also gentle, encouraging, and effective in communication. It helps us build bridges and foster understanding in our interactions with others.
Proverbs 17:27
Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
This verse emphasizes the importance of restraint and self-control in our speech. It teaches us that those who are knowledgeable and understanding exercise discretion in restraining their words and maintaining a calm spirit.
Discretion requires us to resist the urge to speak impulsively or without consideration. It prompts us to think before we speak, allowing us to bring wisdom and understanding to our conversations.
Proverbs 19:11
Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.
This verse reveals the connection between discretion and emotional intelligence. It teaches us that possessing good sense and self-control leads to being slow to anger and finding glory in forgiving offenses.
Discretion enables us to respond to difficult situations with grace and understanding. It teaches us to prioritize peace and harmony over any immediate emotional response.
Proverbs 21:23
Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.
This verse highlights the power of discretion in guiding our speech. It reminds us that exercising self-control over our words not only protects us from trouble but also reflects wisdom and maturity.
Discretion teaches us the value of silence and caution when our words may bring harm or unnecessary conflict. It prompts us to choose our words carefully, ensuring they bring life and not harm.
Proverbs 25:11
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
This verse illustrates the beauty and impact of using words with discretion. It compares a well-chosen, carefully spoken word to precious gold apples placed in an elegant silver setting.
Discretion teaches us to consider the timing, tone, and content of our words, ensuring they are not only truthful but also uplifting, encouraging, and appropriate for the situation.
Proverbs 26:4-5
Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him. Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.
This verse presents a paradoxical view on discretion when dealing with fools. It advises not to engage foolish arguments that lead to becoming like the fool, yet also encourages responding to the foolishness to prevent pride from taking root.
Discretion requires discernment in choosing when and how to respond to foolishness. It teaches us to be mindful that sometimes silence is the wisest choice, while at other times, a well-thought-out response may be necessary to preserve humility and wisdom.
Proverbs 28:2
When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but with a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability will long continue.
This verse acknowledges the impact of leadership and wise decision-making. It suggests that when a society lacks discretion, it results in chaos and instability, but when there are individuals of understanding and knowledge, stability is maintained.
Discretion is key not only in personal life but also in the larger context of society. It reminds us of the importance of leaders who exercise wisdom and discernment in guiding and governing others.
Proverbs 29:11
A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.
This verse emphasizes the restraint and inner strength that discretion brings. It contrasts the impulsive and reckless behavior of a fool with the composed and thoughtful response of a wise person.
Discretion teaches us to resist the urge to react impulsively when faced with challenging situations or provocation. It encourages us to respond with grace and wisdom, which often requires quieting our spirit and holding back from hasty responses.
Ecclesiastes 3:7
a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
This verse reminds us of the value of discretion in our daily lives. It recognizes that there is a time to be silent, exercising restraint, and a time to speak up and share our thoughts.
Discretion prompts us to discern the appropriate timing and setting for our words. It teaches us to listen attentively, speak with intention, and honor the wisdom of knowing when to remain silent.
Matthew 10:16
“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”
This verse encourages us to exercise discretion and discernment in our interactions with the world. It instructs us to be as wise as serpents, aware of the dangers and pitfalls, while maintaining innocence and purity in our hearts.
Discretion teaches us to navigate through the challenges of life with discernment and wisdom. It ensures that our actions align with our faith and that we approach the world with a balance of cautiousness and genuine goodness.
Matthew 7:6
“Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.”
This verse speaks to the importance of discretion in sharing valuable things. It warns against sharing sacred and precious truths with those who will not appreciate or respect them.
Discretion reminds us to consider the readiness and receptiveness of others before sharing deep spiritual truths. It involves discerning when to hold back from sharing certain aspects of our faith, especially if it may be taken for granted or even used against us.
Matthew 11:25
At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children.”
This verse highlights the paradox of discretion as it relates to wisdom and understanding. It reveals that sometimes God’s truth is hidden from those who consider themselves wise and understanding, and instead, it is revealed to those who approach with childlike humility.
Discretion teaches us the importance of humility in seeking and receiving wisdom from God. It reminds us that true understanding comes from acknowledging our limitations and being open to receiving divine revelation.
John 5:30
“I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.”
This verse reflects Jesus’s ultimate display of discretion and submission to the will of God. He acknowledges that his judgment is just because it aligns with the will of the Father, not his own desires.
Discretion calls us to seek and submit to God’s will above our own. It reminds us that true wisdom comes from surrendering our own selfish desires and making decisions that are in alignment with God’s purposes.
Colossians 4:6
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
This verse underscores the importance of using discretion in our speech. It encourages us to let our words be filled with grace and wisdom, like salt, which enhances flavor and preserves.
Discretion reminds us to consider the impact of our words on others and to respond with grace, truth, and sensitivity. It prompts us to choose our words carefully, tailoring them to the needs and circumstances of each person we encounter.
James 1:19
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;
This verse provides a practical guideline for exercising discretion. It advises us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, recognizing that these qualities are essential in healthy and fruitful relationships.
Discretion teaches us to listen attentively and empathetically, giving due consideration to others. It encourages us to think before we speak, allowing wisdom and discernment to guide our words. It also prompts us to control our emotions and respond with grace instead of reacting with unnecessary anger.
James 3:17
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
This verse describes the characteristics of wisdom that comes from God. It emphasizes the qualities of purity, peaceability, gentleness, reasonableness, mercy, good deeds, impartiality, and sincerity.
Discretion encourages us to pursue this divine wisdom in all areas of our lives. It reminds us to embody these virtues, allowing discretion to guide our thoughts, motives, and actions. In doing so, we reflect the character of God and bring glory to Him.
1 Peter 3:15
but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
This verse reminds us to exercise discretion in sharing our faith with others. It encourages us to be prepared to provide a reason for our hope and faith, but to do so with gentleness and respect.
Discretion prompts us to consider the receptiveness and understanding of others when sharing the Gospel. It calls us to respond to questions and doubts with clarity and kindness, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our words and actions.