WISDOM AND DISCRETION

Wisdom and Discretion - Controlling Our Tongues

Pro 24:3 through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established

Pro 9:1 Wisdom has built her house; she has carved out her seven pillars

The house of God is built by ruling, reigning and practicing wise judgment in every instance.

We find discretion mentioned in Proverbs 24:3 quoted above – ‘understanding’. This Hebrew word is also translated ‘discretion, skillfulness, prudence’. These words refer to the exercise of good judgment and common sense. Discretion involves considering the repercussions of the outcome of one’s decision and practicing caution, knowing when to speak and when to keep silent, knowing that one’s actions will bring about consequences. Discretion suggests wise self-restraint, as in resisting a rash impulse. It is a hallmark of maturity.

Wisdom and discretion were qualities which were essential to the man being released to rule. Why was discretion so important?

Pro 2:11 Discretion shall preserve you, understanding shall keep you.

Here we see that discretion provides protection. Once again in Proverbs 3 we see wisdom and discretion mentioned together:

Pro 3:21-23 My son, let not them depart from your eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: So shall they be life to your soul, and grace to your neck. Then shall you walk in your way safely, and your foot shall not stumble.

Pro 11:22 As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.

Pro 31:26 She opens her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

Pro 19:11 The discretion of a man defers his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

Holy Spirit wants us to learn not to speak rashly, like the piercing of a sword. He cannot trust us with authority in the spiritual realm is we are unable to control our tongues and rein them in. This is just as important when sharing revelation. A word spoken at the right moment is so good and achieves the purpose for which God gave it to you. However, if you just share revelation without discretion, you cannot be trusted with the secret things of God.

James 3 tells us that a person who can control their tongue is a ‘perfect’ man. The Greek word used here means ‘complete, of full age, mature manhood’. We have to submit to the bit being put in our mouth by the Word if we desire to be useful to Him.