What does "discretion" mean in the context of Proverbs 5:2? Text Under Consideration “My son, pay attention to my wisdom; incline your ear to my understanding, that you may maintain discretion and your lips may reserve knowledge.” (Proverbs 5:1-2) Key Word: “Discretion” (Hebrew mezimmah) • Root idea: planned, measured thought rather than impulsive reaction • Positive nuance in Proverbs 5: wise, principled foresight; moral sound-mindedness • Closely tied to prudence and self-control (cf. Proverbs 1:4; 2:11) What Discretion Looks Like in Proverbs 5 • Recognizing ahead of time the seduction and destruction sexual sin brings (vv. 3-5) • Refusing to be ruled by feelings (v. 8 “Keep your path far from her”) • Speaking words that align with God’s wisdom, not flattery or compromise (v. 2 “your lips may reserve knowledge”) • Choosing long-term covenant faithfulness over short-term pleasure (vv. 15-20) How Discretion Protects Us • Acts as an internal guardrail: “Discretion will watch over you” (Proverbs 2:11) • Shields reputations, marriages, finances, and health from ruin (Proverbs 5:9-11) • Preserves fellowship with the Lord—He “examines all paths” (Proverbs 5:21) Related Scriptural Echoes • Joseph fleeing Potiphar’s wife—practical prudence plus moral clarity (Genesis 39:7-12) • “This is God’s will: your sanctification, that you abstain from sexual immorality” (1 Thessalonians 4:3) • “Be careful how you walk, not as unwise but as wise” (Ephesians 5:15) Cultivating Discretion Today • Stay saturated in Scripture—wisdom supplies the raw material for prudent choices. • Value consequence-oriented thinking—pause to weigh outcomes before acting. • Guard your inputs—limit media and relationships that dull moral alertness. • Practice immediate obedience—small daily choices train the heart to respond rightly when bigger temptations appear. |
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