Discretion is defined as the quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offense or revealing private information. I’ve been sitting with the concept of discretion for a little while now and one thing that keeps coming up for me is what we choose to share, how/when we share it, as well as how these things reflect upon our character. In a time where absolutely anything goes we have to use discretion to not only preserve our character but preserve relationships (with God, ourselves & others). Have you ever shared something out of anger or frustration but later regretted that decision? What I am learning is that discretion is a boundary we establish for ourselves. Teaching us the benefit and even purpose of choosing our words and actions wisely, especially in moments of vulnerability, anger or frustration. I wonder how many relationships could be preserved if we would only choose to use discretion in behaviors or speech. This isn’t about second guessing what we feel but more so about how our behaviors or words could impact us and the health of our relationships in the future. Here are a few scriptures I’ve found helpful as I’ve been thinking about discretion.
“That you may exercise discrimination and discretion (good judgment), And your lips may reserve knowledge and answer wisely [to temptation].”
Proverbs 5:2 AMP
“Good sense and discretion make a man slow to anger, And it is his honor and glory to overlook a transgression or an offense [without seeking revenge and harboring resentment].”
Proverbs 19:11 AMP
https://bible.com/bible/1588/pro.19.11.AMP