Discretion

When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: Proverbs 2:10-11 KJV

If wisdom shall enter into thy heart, and knowledge please thy soul: Counsel shall keep thee, and prudence shall preserve thee, Proverbs 2:10-11 Douay Rheims

Last week was "equity" and this week, the word is "Discretion" or "Counsel." I could have used the same story about the man having to use the restroom in this week's post. Why? I wanted to say something more potent to the man, but discretion taught me differently. Adult bullies abound in society today. Go on any social media site; you will see tons of bullies. 

Over a year ago, an industry colleague and I discussed a specific issue around women's pay. I consulted with facts, and he discussed with feelings about the problem. He was not interested in facts, but if you disagreed, the wrath and fury came in full force. He was a bully, and I called him that. It only made him more furious with me. With discretion, I stop the conversation even amid his tirade.   

Discretion has allowed me to pick and choose people I associate with daily. I try to see the good in each person. It does not take long for bad to rear its ugly head. When this happens, a person can remain friends or cut bait by disassociating with them. A part of me wants to battle with these people, but the Lord has provided me with wisdom and discretion to ignore the evil, just as the Lord ignored evil on the way to the Cross.