Humility is a fundamental virtue in Christian theology, often characterized by a modest view of one's own importance and a recognition of one's dependence on God. The Bible frequently emphasizes humility as a key attribute of a faithful believer, contrasting it with pride, which is often depicted as a root of sin.

In the Old Testament, humility is exemplified by figures such as Moses, who is described as "a very humble man, more so than any man on the face of the earth" (Numbers 12:3). The Psalms and Proverbs frequently extol the virtues of humility, with Proverbs 22:4 stating, "The rewards of humility and the fear of the LORD are wealth and honor and life."

The New Testament further develops the concept of humility, particularly through the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. In the Beatitudes, Jesus declares, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3), highlighting the spiritual value of humility. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, urges believers to emulate Christ's humility: "He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross" (Philippians 2:8).

Humility is also a prerequisite for receiving God's grace. James 4:6 states, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" This theme is echoed in 1 Peter 5:6, which advises, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you."

Discretion

Discretion is the quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offense or revealing private information. In the biblical context, discretion is closely associated with wisdom, prudence, and discernment. It involves making judicious decisions and acting with careful consideration of the consequences.

The Book of Proverbs frequently highlights the importance of discretion. Proverbs 2:11 states, "Discretion will watch over you, and understanding will guard you," suggesting that discretion serves as a protective measure for the believer. Similarly, Proverbs 3:21 advises, "My son, do not lose sight of this: Preserve sound judgment and discernment."

Discretion is also linked to the wise use of words. Proverbs 11:12 notes, "Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks judgment, but a man of understanding holds his peace." This underscores the value of discretion in communication, where thoughtful silence can often be more beneficial than hasty speech.

In the New Testament, discretion is implied in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus instructs His followers to be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves" (Matthew 10:16), advocating for a balance of shrewdness and purity. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often encourages believers to exercise discernment and to "test everything; hold fast to what is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

Discretion, therefore, is a vital aspect of Christian living, enabling believers to navigate complex situations with wisdom and integrity, while maintaining a testimony that honors God.