Are we training ourselves to be women of discretion?
Women today would be wise to use their speech well. Careful before they say anything, prayerful before giving counsel or a rebuke, with the Lord leading every step of the way.
Titus 2:5 exhorts: :
"That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed."
The word discreet comes from the greek word: sóphrón
Here is the definition:
of sound mind, self-controlled, temperate, sober-minded, modest, chaste
We are warned against idleness and being busybodies, and why--because there is a struggle. We need to embrace a quiet life without busying ourselves with meddling, gossip, and vain pursuits (1 Thess 4:11). Older woman must teach the younger, to be wise in situations. There should not be a judging of situations lest we know all the facts. Self control must rule us, we must gain hold of it, our tongues and our sinful flesh.
What does God uphold and view as beautiful?
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Proverbs 31:10
Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. 1 Peter 3:4
The tongue:
And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh. James 3:6
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1
The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness. Proverbs 16:21
Oh my, I know we all fail at times, and sometimes miserably--there is not a single one of us that is perfect! We would not need Jesus if we were perfect. I think in many cases, we need to humble ourselves and our speech will follow. How often I have looked back in different situations and thought at how humility needed to be a vital part of the equation.
And we chase after wisdom:
Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. -Proverbs 4:7
How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. -Proverbs 16:16
It is my prayer that we start this week NEW,
recommitting ourselves to CHRIST,
and striving to become a vessel that God can fully use for His KINGDOM.
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