Definition and Meaning:
The term "discreetly" refers to the quality of being careful and prudent in one's speech or actions, especially to avoid causing offense or to gain an advantage. It involves exercising sound judgment and wisdom, often in sensitive situations. In a biblical context, discretion is closely associated with wisdom, understanding, and the fear of the Lord.

Biblical References and Context:
While the specific term "discreetly" may not frequently appear in the Bible, the concept is woven throughout Scripture, particularly in the wisdom literature and teachings of Jesus.

1. Proverbs and Wisdom Literature:
The Book of Proverbs frequently emphasizes the importance of discretion as a hallmark of wisdom. Proverbs 2:11 states, "Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you." Here, discretion is portrayed as a protective measure, safeguarding individuals from folly and harm. Proverbs 3:21 advises, "My son, do not lose sight of these—preserve sound judgment and discretion."

2. Joseph's Example:
In Genesis, Joseph is a prime example of someone who acted discreetly. When interpreting Pharaoh's dreams, Joseph not only provided the interpretation but also offered wise counsel on how to prepare for the coming famine (Genesis 41:33-36). His discretion in handling the situation led to his elevation to a position of great authority in Egypt.

3. Jesus' Teachings:
Jesus often taught about the importance of wise and discreet behavior. In Matthew 10:16, He instructed His disciples, "Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." This teaching underscores the need for a balance of wisdom and purity in navigating the challenges of the world.

4. Apostolic Guidance:
The apostles also emphasized discretion in their epistles. In Ephesians 5:15-16, Paul writes, "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." This exhortation calls believers to live thoughtfully and prudently, making wise use of their time and resources.

Theological Significance:
Discretion is a vital aspect of Christian character, reflecting a heart aligned with God's wisdom. It involves the ability to discern right from wrong and to act in ways that honor God and respect others. Discretion is not merely about self-preservation but is rooted in love and humility, seeking the welfare of others and the glory of God.

Practical Application:
Believers are encouraged to cultivate discretion in their daily lives by seeking God's wisdom through prayer and Scripture. This involves being mindful of one's words and actions, considering their impact on others, and striving to reflect Christ's character in all situations. Discretion also calls for a readiness to listen and learn, valuing the counsel of wise and godly individuals.3562. nounechos -- sensibly, discreetly
... sensibly, discreetly. Part of Speech: Adverb Transliteration: nounechos Phonetic
Spelling: (noon-ekh-oce') Short Definition: wisely, discreetly Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3562.htm - 6k

4997. sophrosune -- soundness of mind, self-control
... See 4998 (). Word Origin from sophron Definition soundness of mind, self-control
NASB Word Usage discreetly (1), self-restraint (1), sober (1). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4997.htm - 7k

How the Silent and the Talkative are to be Admonished.
... The tongue, therefore, should be discreetly curbed, not tied up fast. For it is
written, A wise man will hold his tongue until the time (Eccles. ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter xiv how the silent.htm

Of True Religious Life
... thing for a man to obtain certain graces or favours from the king; but it is a very
great thing for him to be able to dwell and converse discreetly in the ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter xvi of true religious.htm

The Tangled Web
... The Maccabee, among the fighting-men on the wall, saw his approach and discreetly
stepped behind a soldier that he might not be singled out as a familiar ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter xvii the tangled web.htm

For the Candid and Thoughtful
... "And when Jesus saw" ["saw him," so it should be] "that he answered discreetly,
he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God.""Mark 12:34. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 26 1880/for the candid and thoughtful.htm

The Discerning Scribe
... and sacrifices. And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, He said
unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 12 28-34 the discerning scribe.htm

Of Temptations
... But what harm can the devils and all the evils of this world do to the man who goes
forward discreetly and fervently in the way of God, and therein labours and ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter ix of temptations.htm

To Sister Daniella of Orvieto Clothed with the Habit of Saint ...
... If he is a nobleman, he plucks the fruit of justice, discreetly wishing to render
to everyone his due"so he punishes the unjust man rigorously, and rewards ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/to sister daniella of orvieto.htm

These Words Speaketh Solomon, the Son of David the King and ...
... And I examined diligently, and considered discreetly, the nature of all that is
on earth, and I perceived it to be most various; [44] and I saw that to man it ...
/.../a metaphrase of the book of ecclesiastes/chapter i these words speaketh.htm

Preface
... I twirl my thumbs, fall back into my chair, Fix on the wainscot a distressful stare;
And when I hope his blunders all are out, Reply discreetly, "To be sure ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kleiser/talks on talking/preface.htm

Obedience to God the Way to Faith in Christ.
... Christ. "When Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, He said unto him,
Thou art not far from the kingdom of God.""Mark 12:34. ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon xiv obedience to god.htm

Discreetly (3 Occurrences)
...Discreetly (3 Occurrences). Mark 12:34 And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly,
he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. ...
/d/discreetly.htm - 7k

Discreet (9 Occurrences)
... northward. (ASV JPS). Proverbs 26:16 A sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than
seven men that answer discreetly. (Root in DBY NAS RSV NIV). ...
/d/discreet.htm - 9k

Wisely (60 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (adv.) In a wise manner; prudently; judiciously; discreetly;
with wisdom. Multi-Version Concordance Wisely (60 Occurrences). ...
/w/wisely.htm - 24k

Reasonable (6 Occurrences)
... As the ground or argument for anything, it is the translation of ta`am (Proverbs
26:16, the Revised Version margin "answers discreetly"), of yakhach, as in ...
/r/reasonable.htm - 11k

Reason (438 Occurrences)
... As the ground or argument for anything, it is the translation of ta`am (Proverbs
26:16, the Revised Version margin "answers discreetly"), of yakhach, as in ...
/r/reason.htm - 39k

Reasoning (37 Occurrences)
... As the ground or argument for anything, it is the translation of ta`am (Proverbs
26:16, the Revised Version margin "answers discreetly"), of yakhach, as in ...
/r/reasoning.htm - 19k

Durst (9 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV WBS YLT). Mark 12:34 And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly,
he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. ...
/d/durst.htm - 9k

See (8256 Occurrences)
... 2) horao, "to take heed": "See thou say nothing" (Mark 1:44); (3) eidon, "to know,"
"to note with the mind": "Jesus saw that he answered discreetly" (Mark 12:34 ...
/s/see.htm - 9k

Discrepancies

/d/discrepancies.htm - 20k

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