Maayong Buntag adopted! Timbaya missionary!
Learn from the pioneers, but don't repeat their mistakes. Bless GOD for lighthouses, but remember that it's not only at sea that you need light. Don't let impatience manipulate your decisions. Don't let lust and comparisons define your goals. Don't let wounds define your relationships. "Let your clothes be white at all times, and let there be no lack of oil on your head! (Ecclesiastes 9:8) May the FATHER dry up and remove everything that causes, or could cause, your downfall. Let JESUS be your light.
"Even a fool, when he is silent, passes for wise; He who shuts his lips is a man of understanding." (Proverbs 17:28, LSG)
"He who speaks much cannot avoid sinning, but the wise man puts a check on his lips. " (Proverbs 10:19, Semeur)
"The prudent man hides his knowledge, while the hearts of foolish men proclaim their folly." (Proverbs 12:23, Segond 21)
"Better the outcome of a business than its beginning. Better is a patient spirit than an arrogant one." (Ecclesiastes 7:8, Segond 21)
Discretion is the quality of those who show reserve or restraint in their words and actions. It is also the quality of those who keep confidences and share them only when the time and circumstances are appropriate. Discretion is the face of self-control. Some people are discreet when it comes to themselves. But indiscreet when it comes to others.
There are those who talk too soon about their projects. Those who speak prematurely, without wisdom or discernment. Those who give details when they're unnecessary or inappropriate, or who share them with the wrong people. Those who confide in the whole world, asking everyone for advice. Often because they haven't learned to decide for themselves, lack self-confidence, or shirk responsibility.
Those who are idle, who don't know what to do with their time. Those with a competitive spirit, who constantly wonder if others are better than them. Those who want to show that they've got the news before anyone else and about anyone else. Those who are impatient, lazy and sneaky. Those who hope to receive favors, privileges and special attention in return for confidential information. Those who are intrusive and have savior syndrome. Finally, those for whom indiscretion is a weapon to hurt others or to take revenge on others.
Examples
You want to encourage young people to continue their studies. That's a good thing. But do they need to know your salary? Do they need to know that you're a customer in every bank?
A friend, colleague, family member or church member confides in you. Why would you tell the whole world, or even your mutual friends, without their permission? If it's something serious, about which a life is in danger, couldn't you talk about it with mature, competent people? When asking others to pray for this person, do you necessarily have to give details? Isn't GOD Omniscient?
Share photos of your newborn on social networks before you've presented him/her to the LORD.
Brother, you've given money to your brother-in-law or someone in need. With the exception of your wife, what does this have to do with anyone else?
Together with some friends, you organized a collection for an orphanage. Should video and photos dwell on people's misery?
Your cousin has bought a new car. Is it up to you to tell the family? If you can't afford a car right now, why do you want to know how much she paid for it?
Your marriage is in trouble, or your relationship with your in-laws is complicated. Is this a reason to confide in all those who seem very spiritual? Where is it written that all old people are wise?
You receive a prophecy for a member of the Church or for one of your children. Why are you going to shout it from the rooftops? Worse, without the consent of the people concerned, and without even discussing it with them first.
People ask how a brother or sister is doing. It's good to ask about each other. But don't use it as a pretext to fill the time and slide into indiscretion. When there's nothing edifying to talk about, it's best to stop the conversation.
You're frustrated by your financial situation, annoyed by your pastor's requests for offerings. Instead of talking to GOD, you complain to everyone about your pastor's wife wearing designer clothes. Worst of all, you do it in front of new converts.
You have a disagreement with a family member. Instead of presenting your arguments, you spread the secrets of your cousins.
Your household staff mustn't know that you have a safe in your room.
Your neighbor has a different breed from his parents or sisters (adoption or blended family). Are you close enough to ask him if he's adopted? Why do you call his biological parents his "real parents"? Is it written in the Bible that adoptive parents are false parents? In faith, aren't we all adopted children?
etc.
Indiscretion can get you into unnecessary fights and premature battles. Indiscretion can endanger your business, your family and your fellow man. A king's indiscretion can destroy a nation. Indiscretion can hinder or even prevent the fulfillment of GOD's plans for your life. Indiscretion can prevent you from building relationships and partnerships. Indiscretion can cost you business.
The story of King Hezekiah teaches us that the benevolence of some (sincere or hypocritical), is no excuse for lack of discretion. (Isaiah 39:1-8, 2 Kings 20:12-18). Nor is gratitude an excuse for indiscretion.
The story of Samson teaches us that annoyance is no excuse for indiscretion (Judges 16:21).
Joseph's story teaches us that sometimes those around us are jealous of us, or lack the ability or discernment necessarily to understand and make good use of certain information (Genesis 37:1-28). We must avoid telling them about our dreams and plans.
The story of the Magi teaches us that discretion can preserve a life (Matthew 2:12-18).
The life of JESUS teaches us that discretion avoids unnecessary and premature battles.
🙂 There is a time for everything (Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8). We know that. On the other hand, we occasionally forget, that there is a time for every category of people (Proverbs 10:19, Proverbs 12: 23, Proverbs 17:28, Ecclesiastes 7:8, Proverbs 26:4-5, 1 Timothy 5:13).
It is possible to avoid indiscretion. Ask the HOLY SPIRIT for help and cultivate the habit of listening to him. We need to meditate on Bible verses about discretion and self-control. If we don't understand the benefits of discretion, we'll be indiscreet. Because we can't be intentional about things we don't value.
Secondly, we need to give conversations and testimonials a purpose. Let's not monopolize discussions. Let's accept that we can't be the right people for every situation. Let's cultivate contentment. We don't have to express ourselves about everything. Let's not be naive. Let's choose good company. Let's not talk about our plans in haste, least of all to just anyone. Let's be adaptable when we're surrounded by people less privileged than ourselves. When we realize that we've lacked discretion, let's repent and pray.
** Maayong Buntag = Good morning in Cebuano (Philippines)
** Timbaya = Hello in Cebuano (Philippines)
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