Topical Bible: Natural Life: Preserved by Discretion

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In the biblical context, the preservation of natural life through discretion is a theme that underscores the importance of wisdom, prudence, and careful decision-making. The Scriptures provide numerous insights into how discretion serves as a safeguard for one's life, emphasizing the value of living wisely in accordance with God's principles.

Biblical Foundation

The Book of Proverbs, known for its focus on wisdom and practical living, frequently highlights the role of discretion in preserving life. Proverbs 2:11 states, "Discretion will watch over you, and understanding will guard you." This verse suggests that discretion acts as a protective measure, guiding individuals away from harmful paths and towards safety and well-being.

Proverbs 3:21-22 further reinforces this idea: "My son, do not lose sight of this: Preserve sound judgment and discernment. They will be life to your soul and adornment to your neck." Here, discretion is linked to sound judgment and discernment, which are portrayed as life-giving and valuable.

Practical Application

Discretion involves the ability to make judicious decisions, often requiring a careful evaluation of circumstances and potential consequences. In the biblical narrative, Joseph exemplifies discretion in Genesis 41. Faced with the impending famine in Egypt, Joseph wisely advises Pharaoh to store surplus grain during the years of abundance. His prudent actions not only preserve the lives of the Egyptians but also those of surrounding nations.

Similarly, in the New Testament, Jesus advises His followers to exercise discretion. In Matthew 10:16, He instructs, "Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." This call to be shrewd underscores the necessity of discretion in navigating a world that can be hostile to the faithful.

Moral and Spiritual Dimensions

Discretion is not merely a practical tool but also a moral and spiritual discipline. It requires aligning one's choices with God's will and commands. Proverbs 11:14 states, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." Seeking counsel and exercising discretion are portrayed as means of ensuring safety and stability.

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often emphasizes the importance of living wisely. In Ephesians 5:15-16, he writes, "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." This exhortation highlights the need for discretion in making the most of one's time and opportunities in a world fraught with challenges.

Conclusion

The preservation of natural life through discretion is a recurring theme in Scripture, encouraging believers to seek wisdom and understanding. By exercising discretion, individuals can navigate life's complexities, avoid pitfalls, and align their lives with God's purposes. The biblical call to discretion is a reminder of the profound impact that wise and prudent living can have on one's natural and spiritual well-being.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 13:3
He that keeps his mouth keeps his life: but he that opens wide his lips shall have destruction.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Whether Death and Other Defects are Natural to Man?
... Now human life is preserved by hot and ... and corruption in things are requisite: and
in this respect corruption and defect in things are natural, not indeed ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether death and other defects.htm

The Baptismal Covenant Can be Kept Unbroken. Aim and ...
... the child's name, and thus be preserved from dangerous ... bestowed upon our children
not only natural, but spiritual ... Grace, to develop in them the life of God's ...
/.../chapter v the baptismal covenant.htm

The Life of John Nisbet of Hardhill.
... him in the after-part of his life, in maintaining ... more work for him to accomplish)
he was preserved. ... His natural temper was likewise noble and generous: As he ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of john nisbet.htm

Advices to Novices. ...
... must expect that it will no other way be preserved. ... during the whole course of his
following life in the ... so be miserably reduced to his first natural state or ...
/.../chapter ix advices to novices .htm

V. ...
... a husband, and have so much the more discretion, when it ... it; still for all this it
could not be preserved. ... The first man Adam was made in natural life, and the ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter iii v .htm

The Life of Cassian.
... the whole, it appears the more natural view to ... for the remaining years of his life
were troubled ... ardent Augustinian, whose epistle has been preserved as well ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter i the life of.htm

The Life of Anne Catherine Emmerich
... the altar, where the Blessed Sacrament was preserved in the ... by a sudden change in
her corporal and spiritual life. ... come in their seasons in the natural year. ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/the life of anne catherine.htm

Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.
... Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus. ... takes a middle path
between two dangers: it does not deny the reality of the natural flesh and ...
/.../various/life and works of rufinus with jeromes apology against rufinus /

Canones Synodi Dordrechtan??.
... and sanctification; and having powerfully preserved them in ... as were ordained to eternal
life believed' (Acts 13 ... reverence, in the spirit of discretion and piety ...
/.../canones synodi dordrechtanae.htm

Thereafter He Shows that There are not Two Christs or Two Lords
... nature, after mingling with the Human, preserved the properties ... was crucified through
weakness to be Life and power ... sea, by reason that the natural quality of ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 5 thereafter he shows.htm