Wisdom for the Discreet

The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can give a discreet answer. Proverbs 26:16

The sluggard is a lazy fellow who really doesn’t know what is going on and is basically a looser…a foolish jokester. There are more verses throughout Proverbs about the unwise lazy people of this world. We can take a lesson from them, like this verse above, be discreet. Be wise. What is in our hearts and minds is what comes out of us when we speak, as Jesus taught in Luke 6:45: The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart. So think good things, do good things, and speak good things—as if you were speaking to the Lord Himself. Would you be indiscreet when speaking to Jesus? No. Then why would you speak any differently to anyone else? Wise up! If you need wisdom—ask for it. Jesus promised … and all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive. Matthew 21:22  Others may be praying for you, too…just as Paul wrote in Colossians… For this reason (the hope laid up for you in Heaven) also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding…. Colossians 1:9. Get wisdom and give discreet answers to those around you.

Training Tip – A place for everything…and everything in its place. Just like Grandma taught me…but then she didn’t have much stuff! Whether it is material stuff or treasures in our hearts—stuff has to have a place. A chaotic and messy environment creates frustration and disorderly behavior in children. The lazy person—that sluggard—doesn’t care where he puts things. That includes discreet answers as well as his dirty socks. Train your children—reward them if necessary—to pick up the toys and dirty clothes. A week of taking care of their rooms will be worth an hour at their favorite park or playground. A month of a clean room will be worth a whole day just to themselves with Dad or Mom—and they plan the agenda! Discreet or respectful language and actions can also be rewarded. Keep a chart on the refrigerator or another handy spot to record good actions. You may want to make it a family activity—so that Dad and Mom are rewarded, too.

Lord God, fill our hearts with Your love and wisdom that we would speak kindly to others from our hearts.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.