Discretion is the prudent judgment that knows what to say, when to say it, how much to say, and when to keep silent. "Discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you" (Proverbs 2:11). A beautiful woman without discretion is "like a gold ring in a swine's snout" (Proverbs 11:22). Discretion is closely tied to wisdom but adds a dimension of tactical application: it is wisdom under pressure, wisdom with good timing, wisdom that knows how to weigh competing concerns. Abigail had discretion when she defused David's rage against Nabal (1 Samuel 25). Joseph had discretion when he refused Potiphar's wife quietly rather than boasting of his chastity. Discretion is not cowardice or compromise; it is the ability to hold firm truth with careful speech, knowing that a word fitly spoken is "like apples of gold in settings of silver" (Proverbs 25:11).
DISCRE'TION, n. Prudence, or knowledge and prudence; that discernment which enables a person to judge critically of what is correct and proper.
DISCRE'TION, n. 1. Prudence, or knowledge and prudence; that discernment which enables a person to judge critically of what is correct and proper, united with caution; nice discernment and judgment, directed by circumspection, and primarily regarding one's own conduct. 2. Liberty or power of acting without other control than one's own judgment.
Proverbs 2:11 — "Discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you."
Proverbs 11:22 — "As a ring of gold in a swine's snout, so is a lovely woman who lacks discretion."
Proverbs 25:11 — "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver."