What other biblical examples show the importance of discretion in communication? Seeing Discretion in 1 Samuel 20:39 “ But the boy did not know anything; only Jonathan and David knew the arrangement.” David’s life depended on Jonathan’s ability to speak in code and keep sensitive information from innocent ears. The moment underlines how God often advances His purposes through quiet, carefully measured words. Abigail: Wise Words at the Right Time • 1 Samuel 25:19 – “But she did not tell her husband Nabal.” • Abigail privately intercepted David, choosing discretion over public confrontation. Her tact spared an entire household and kept David from blood-guilt. Esther: Silence Until the Strategic Moment • Esther 2:10 – “Esther had not revealed her people or her lineage.” • Esther 7:3–4 – when the time was right, she spoke. • Her restraint preserved her life and positioned her to save Israel. Nehemiah: Plans Kept Quiet Until God Opens the Door • Nehemiah 2:12 – “I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem.” • By withholding details until he had assessed the walls and secured support, Nehemiah avoided premature opposition. Joseph, Son of Jacob: Testing Before Speaking • Genesis 42:7 – “Joseph recognized his brothers, but he concealed his identity.” • His controlled communication exposed their hearts, prepared them for reconciliation, and safeguarded God’s covenant plan. Mary and Joseph: Quiet Obedience • Luke 2:19 – “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” • Matthew 1:19 – “Joseph… resolved to divorce her quietly.” • Both guarded their words, trusting God to vindicate His work in their lives. Jesus: Selective Disclosure • Mark 1:44 – “See that you say nothing to anyone.” • Mark 8:30 – “He warned them not to tell anyone about Him.” • The Lord Himself practiced discretion, timing revelations to fit the Father’s redemptive calendar. Proverbs: Timeless Counsel on Guarding the Tongue • Proverbs 11:13 – “A gossip reveals a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.” • Proverbs 13:3 – “He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites ruin.” • Proverbs 25:9 – “Argue your case with your neighbor without betraying another’s confidence.” • Proverbs 17:27 – “He who restrains his words has knowledge.” Contrasting Caution: Samson’s Careless Secret • Judges 16:17 – “He told her all his heart.” • Samson’s lack of discretion cost him his strength, his freedom, and ultimately his life. Key Takeaways for Our Speech Today • Sensitive information is a stewardship; divulge only to those who need to know. • Timing matters—often the right words spoken too soon become the wrong words. • Discretion protects reputations, relationships, and God-given missions. • Imitating Christ means knowing when to speak boldly and when to stay silent, trusting God to honor truth shared at the proper moment. |
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