Teaching Younger Women to Be Discreet

“The aged women likewise…
That they may teach the young women
to be sober, to love their husbands,
to love their children,
To be discreet…”
Titus 2:3a-5a

Why is it so hard to maintain self-control, keep our opinions to ourselves and practice moderation? I know its right to do. It’s so clear in God’s Word that He wants us to live and teach these behaviors to the next generation, but it isn’t easy. If you’re younger than me, I owe you an apology for the times I have lost control, voiced my unsolicited opinion and not behaved in a moderate way before you. I can let my passions and opinions get the best of me and cause me to step out of bounds. Even though living a discreet life is not an easy path, God has given us the ability to obey. It may take some focus, practice and dedication, but we can’t teach what we don’t learn and live.

Let’s start by reviewing what being discreet means. The Bible uses the same Greek word for discreet as temperate:

GREEK 4998. sophron

from the base of 4982 and that of 5424; safe (sound) in mind, i.e. self-controlled (moderate as to opinion or passion):–discreet, sober, temperate.

In the Titus 2 passage, we see that these two words have the same Greek definition. Aged women are being instructed to be temperate and to teach the younger women to be discreet. Once again, this behavior must be taught.

The dictionary defines discreet as:

Discreet – adjective

1  : having or showing discernment or good judgment in conduct and especially in speech: Merriam-Webster 2022 Online Dictionary

As older women, we are to exhibit discernment and good judgment in our conduct and speech that presents a pattern of good works to others.

Safe (Sound) in Mind

When we face conflicts and everyday tasks like crazy women, who thrive on chaos and drama, we’re not displaying safe and sound minds. We might feel justified in acting nuts, throwing a fit, fighting back and letting others feel our wrath. But, it’s wrong and often escalates the problems.

How we respond to life reflects who we put our faith in. God’s peace should be seen even on the hard days.

Self-Control

Self-control is a daily struggle for the strongest of people. Whether it’s in regards to what we do, spend, eat, or how we react to situations, and respond to others. Social Media is a treasure trove of extreme examples of over-indulgence and over-reactions. Our society should never set the pace for how we live or react. God says His children are to be discreet and that’s the standard to live by.

Moderation in Opinions and Passions

Opinions are a dime a dozen and usually aren’t worth two cents. While being opinionated is deemed inappropriate in most social settings, it has been deemed acceptable on social media. There’s even this weird sense of pride taken today in having the guts to say, share, spew, and spread whatever is on your mind, no matter who it hits or hurts. Unedited and unsolicited opinions don’t have to be shared. They just don’t.

Likewise, passions can be good things until they become more important than God or people. God said everything should be done in moderation which teaches us what is important to Him.

“Let your moderation be known unto all men.
The Lord is at hand.”
Philippians 4:5

Bring It Home

How have you been taught to be discreet by older ladies?

Praying for you as we grow together,

Smiles, BRC