In our journey through Titus, we see the next task for the older women to teach the younger women is to be discreet. The Greek word here means self-control and moderate as in opinion or passion.
Titus 2:5 “To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.”
Those who are older are commanded to teach the younger women to be discreet. As an older woman, I find many women my age who still have not mastered this Christian character trait. Many have failed out of ignorance, others because of a stubborn will to do it their way, and some just don’t care. Their mind is focused on many other things that are priorities to them. This command is from God just like any other scripture it is to be obeyed. This one encompasses our entire being. It deals with self-control.
The first area of self-control we will look at is her tongue. She is careful to not say things that would hurt others. She will speak the truth, but it will be in love. She will also know when to stay silent. It is important that we not tell all just because we know it. Some things are better left unsaid, even if they are true. The woman using discretion will know when to speak and when to be silent. She is a woman you can trust not to share all you have told her. Ecclesiastes 3:7 teaches us there is a time for all things, but it specifically speaks of a time to keep silent and a time to speak. Discretion must be used to master this discipline.
Ecclesiastes 3:7 “A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;”
Discretion is shown in her moderation in her opinions. Rather than opinions she shares what God says about a situation. We need to use God’s word in context when speaking to others about what they should or should not do. All that truly matters is what God thinks. A woman of discretion does not share her knowledge to simply prove she is right. She considers the feelings of others and if her information would embarrass another, she keeps it to herself and waits until there is private time to talk. Proverbs 11:13 teaches us she does not gossip and reveal things about others. She can be trusted. Proverbs 10:19 teaches us the woman who behaves this way is wise. Discretion shows that she cares more for the feelings of others than the fact that she knows more. Her speech is full of mercy and grace. We need to remind ourselves that everything we do and say should glorify God.
Proverbs 10:19 “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refrained his lips is wise.”
Proverbs 11:13 “A talebearer revealed secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealed the matter.”
A godly woman who is discreet is not just concerned with what she says, but the way she appears. She thinks about how her wardrobe will draw attention to certain parts of her body and whether or not it could cause someone to have lustful thoughts. The discreet woman pays attention to how her clothes are fitting and she is conscious of how her clothing can affect others. To take the attitude it doesn’t matter, or that’s his problem, is immature, selfish, and prideful. None of those attitudes reflect what honors our God. Everything about us needs to reflect the one who gave His life for us. The word Christian means little Christ. Philippians 2:3-4 says it best when it comes to how a Christian should live with others in mind.
Philippians 2:3-4 “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
How much self-control are you exhibiting in your day-to-day life? Are you concerned about how you come across to others? Are you headstrong and unconcerned when it comes to what you say and how you look? Are you seeking to be a servant like Christ, putting others above yourself and to the best of your ability, doing all to glorify God? When you do you will be honoring the one whose name you use, Christ.
I Corinthians 10:31 “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
