To Be Discreet

Discreet has always been one of those words which I knew the general meaning, but never really took the time to look up until now. I would have characterized discreet more along the lines of modest, not calling attention to one actions, careful with words. Since I was writing a post on being discreet, I felt a more precise definition warranted. My preferred dictionary is the Webster's 1828 dictionary. Here is what it said discreet means, "Prudent; wise in avoiding errors or evil, and in selecting the best means to accomplish a purpose; circumspect; cautious; wary; not rash."

Strong's also gives us a great sense of what it means. It gives two definitions, "1. of a sound mind, sane, in one's senses 2. curbing one's desires and impulses, self-controlled, temperate."

When you take a look at Webster's and Strong's together, they are so complimentary to each other! To be discreet implies wisdom (which starts with the fear of the Lord). It implies knowledge and understanding of how situations work, what their pitfalls are and how they can be avoided. Understanding, however, isn't where the meaning for discreet ends. Discreet is carried over into the physical realm of how do we act when we know what is best what to do. We must have self control enough to act on what we have learned either from others or from past failures. It's not enough to know what is the best course of action, but we must have the faith to hold to that best course of action when everything inside us wants to give in!

As women seeking to emulate Titus 2 to those around us, how does that look in our families? It means knowing when to tell our husband our children's short-comings that day and when not to. Another possible example would be, how would a woman of discretion handle a sensitive situation of a miscarriage by a friend? To be discreet means not telling our parents or friends of our husband's latest gaff or mistake, or maybe not even telling our child's latest (albeit funny) gaff or mistake. How would either feel if they knew what we were saying?

One of the absolute best examples of discretion of which I have ever heard is George Washington. During his time as General of the Continental Army there was a General, General Gates, who with several other conspirators was covertly seeking to unseat General Washington. When a friend of Washington's got hold of one of the conspiratorial notes, Washington wrote Gates and simply quoted a short portion of the letter. Without saying anything other than I have read this and enclosing the conspirator's words, he signed it, "Your Obedient Servant, George Washington". Over the next few weeks all of the conspirators came and pledged their fealty to Washington. He sat back and listened as each conspirator told about what he had 'heard' and how he was totally loyal to Washington. He was under no obligation to handle things that way he did. He could have had the men tried and hung for conspiracy, but he didn't. His actions showed discretion in an incredible way.