MORAL DISCRETION

August 08, 2024

 

Keep sound wisdom and discretion, so they will be life to your soul and adornment to your neck. Then you will walk in your way securely and your foot will not stumble. (Proverbs 3:21-23)

 

How important is discretion? It is not a word often used or a trait often seen in our society.

The 1828 Webster’s Dictionary defines it this way:

1. Prudence, or knowledge and prudence; that discernment which enables a person to judge critically of what is correct and proper, united with caution; excellent discernment and judgment, directed by circumspection, and primarily regarding ones own conduct.

The origin of the Hebrew word is “loose conduct, lewdness.” An indiscreet man doesn’t pay careful attention to his life, speech, and conduct. He has few boundaries. The Hebrew word carries a sexual meaning. A man or woman who plays with the lines morally and has no spiritual or moral discretion can easily cross those lines in their behavior. It aligns with the word “prudent,” and there is a reason that prudence is listed as one of the 22 character qualities necessary for spiritual leaders in 1 Timothy 3.

A DANGEROUS WORLD

We live in a society with zero discretion. Nothing is off limits, and no words or immoral behavior are checked. If a believer does not consciously practice discretion, he or she is setting himself or herself up for a fall. Being pulled into this society's indiscretion is easy and deadly.

Conversely, the writer of Proverbs says that wise discretion will keep your foot from stumbling, and you will walk securely. It will bring you life and be an “adornment to your neck,” i.e., it will grace you with the right spiritual and moral clothing.

An indiscreet woman or man loses their spiritual and moral beauty and descends to the lowest rung. And consequences are sure to follow.

How beautiful is a man or woman who has wisdom and discretion. They are an anomaly in this godless world and a spiritual and moral light in the darkness.

 

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