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If an ax is blunt and the edge isn’t sharpened, then one has to use more strength. But wisdom prepares the way for success. (Eccl 10:10 GW) [context– Eccl 10:1-10]
Discernment and Discretion
Discernment and discretion are valuable qualities in everyday life. Here’s a simple way to understand the difference between the two.
Discernment is an understanding that sees below the appearance of a situation. Also, discerning people understand the intent and deeper meaning of a person’s words.
Discretion is, in a sense, the application of discernment. A person with discretion knows how to respond in a given situation or in response to someone’s words because they have discernment.
Both discernment and discretion qualify as practical applications or uses of wisdom.
Sadly, these valuable applications of wisdom are more scarce than plentiful in much the same way as common sense not being very common.
It should cause us to wonder why this is so? Perhaps the simplest way to answer this requires an understanding of the powerful influence of foolishness.
Foolishness is why things are not always as they appear or the way they should be.
Have you heard of the term, “truth in advertising?” Advertisements and commercials that make far-fetched claims go back to the days of medicine-man shows with hucksters who claimed their tonic or snake oil would “cure what ails you.” They took advantage of naive people who often lacked good sense.
Various laws have been drafted to protect consumers from being duped by outlandish claims. But there are always loopholes to these truth-in-advertising laws. Some might say, “just Google it!” Ah, but the internet is no safe haven for finding the truth.
It’s said that numbers don’t lie but numbers can be manipulated to deceive people. Remember the Enron and Bernie Madoff scandals? People are easily fooled when they want to believe what they want to hear.
Opinion polls are often used to verify certain beliefs or statements. The implication is that if a certain amount of people or a majority percentage hold an opinion, then this is the prevailing wisdom or truth. Regardless of how many people hold an opinion, it doesn’t make it true or wise.
Truth nor wisdom are based on democratic majorities.
Insights
At the beginning of Ecclesiastes Chapter 10, Solomon expresses several proverbial sayings. They may seem somewhat random but they continue a theme begun in the previous chapter. Keep in mind, the original writings weren’t divided into chapters and verses by the author.
The thought of the first verse is connected to the last line of Chapter 9, “one sinner can destroy much that is good.” The picture of dead flies in a bottle of perfumed ointment is clear. Not only is it a disgusting image, but it also stinks!
The foul odor of the flies in the ointment is explained as, “A little foolishness outweighs wisdom ⌞and⌟ honor” (Eccl 10:1 GW). This tells us how destructive indiscretion is upon a person’s integrity. The next two verses explore the contrast between the wise and foolish.
More than a few powerful leaders have lost their influence because of their indiscretions. Character matters.
The flaws in a person’s character may often outweigh their accomplishments and wisdom. King Solomon is a prime example of this.
As always, many of these proverbial sayings need to be understood from their ancient perspective. The right hand was understood as a sign of authority, strength, and even favor. The left hand is a simple contrast to the right as foolishness is contrasted to wisdom.
The advice in verse 4 calls for discretion. It also provides some practical guidance relevant for today—
If a ruler becomes angry with you, don’t resign your position. If you remain calm, you can make up for serious offenses. (Eccl 10:4 GW)
It’s easier to give in to failure than to overcome it.
Overcoming failure requires a commitment and willingness to accept responsibility for our failures and wrongs without reacting with defensiveness or self-justification.
Repairing a relationship and improving our standing with those who are in authority or a leadership role in our lives is where discretion comes in along with discernment.
A sense of precaution and practical wisdom apply to the remaining verses, especially the “dull ax.” In fact, verse 10 has relevance for today aside from chopping wood.
Existential Reflections
“Work smarter, not harder” is a popular saying nowadays. It can apply to a lot of work situations and even with relationships.
“Wisdom prepares the way for success” is an older version of work smarter, not harder, as illustrated with sharpening a dull ax.
How to work smarter, not harder in relation to working with others requires discernment and discretion.
The first thing to do is to understand (discern) what is needed to “sharpen the edge” of the proverbial ax.
Secondly, we need to see how to apply whatever insight we have for sharpening the edge. This is where discretion comes in, especially in relating to others—whether it’s work-related, friendships, or family relationships.
While working with other people and working under various leaders, I came to realize the need to understand each person for who they are. I needed to learn what motivates them, what they value, and how best to communicate with them.
When I worked under another leader in the same ministry, I realized he wanted to make the final decisions but wanted my input with various options. When working on a project, I’d give him two or three options and let him decide.
These were options I saw as good and workable for me in my role of leadership. After my supervisor processed it all, he’d make his decision based on one or more of the options I gave him. I also communicated more details and information than he required, which worked well for us for many years.
I also found overseeing staff and pastoring a church was similar to parenting. My wife and I raised four children and parented many foster children in the US and overseas.
We each had our strong points and not-so-strong points. We learned how to work together in a partnership as parents of children with many different personalities and in many situations.
We learned to be flexible and realized who was best at handling certain personalities within various situations.
Here are some essential elements for gaining the useful wisdom of discernment and discretion.
Learn to listen well—with attentiveness and respect
Be observant—as the old adage goes, look before you leap
Don’t react or overreact—be patient and considerate
Process before making a commitment or plan—think things through to an end result and think beyond the moment
Focus on one thing at a time—multitasking is a foolish delusion
Do you have any more ideas on how to be discerning and use discretion?
Practical wisdom will indeed pave the way for success whether it’s accomplishments or good relationships.
This is an excerpt from my newest book available on Amazon! Glimmers of Light in the Darkness of Life
The Scripture text for this devotional study can be found by clicking the blue button link– “Ecclesiastes Chap 10” [I’ve used God’s Word Translation (GW) for ease of reading but the button link will take you to the text in a parallel version with the NKJV text.]
Also, for further commentary, I recommend Enduring Word by Ptr David Guzik.