“that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge.”
Recently , after sharing a joke with a grandchild, they told me to ask myself, “Is it true? Is it kind? Is it helpful?” They informed me their mom told them to ask themselves those questions before they made a comment. If the answer to any of the questions was no they were told to remain silent. Pretty good counsel. However, I will continue my stream of dad jokes to my grandchildren without those questions being involved. Solomon is about to counsel the reader on one of his most often addressed concerns, adultery. Even if that is not an issue for you at this moment the truth of this passage goes well beyond that sin and also covers areas of potentially unnecessary conversation. Discretion is a difficult yet vital behavior for all of us. In ministry we learn to hear comments and gain information that we never repeat. It’s part of what we do. It’s critical to the level of ministry we engage in with individuals in need of counsel. Over time we will gain insights and knowledge, wisdom from these kinds of interactions that can bless others. Today ask the questions of my grandchild and be a blessing. #BeTheEdge
“and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you,” 1 Thessalonians 4:11 NIV
