DISCRETION A CHRISTAIN VIRTUE

Before delving to the reason why i said that Discretion is a christain/positive virtue and reasons why it's of great importance we know how to develope this great virtue, let's see what the definition is for more clarity.
"DISCRETION" according to oxford dictionary means "the quality of being discreet. Freedom to decide". As we live in a critical times hard to deal with according to the scriptures at 2Timothy 3:1-5

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away.
We find out that without the spirit of God dwelling in man, we all will not do that which pleases God.

ABIGAIL, GOOD IN DISCRETION AND BEAUTIFUL IN FORM

Abigail is the wife of Nabal a calebite,her husband is a man in maon whose work was in carmel. He was very wealthy and owns livestocks in thousands but he was harsh and behaved badly. While his wife Abigail was a remarkable woman who was discreet in her actions.
Abigail and Nabal were not a good match because Nabal acted according to his name which is "senseless or stupid". He is a bully and a drunkard, widely feared and disliked by many. Whereas Abigail which means "My father has made himself joyful" was beautiful inwardly and beautiful outwardly that the bible praises her for her discretion as well as her beauty (1sam25:3). Some might wonder why such an intelligent young woman married such a good for nothing man. Remember, many marriages in bible times were arranged but whatever the case Abigail was determined to be a good wife.

Nabal screams rebukes at them

Nabal has acted insolently and cruelly as usual but this time, he had insulted David the faithful servant of God whom samuel the prophet has annointed, revealing David as God's choice to succeed saul as king. David on the run from jealous and murderous king saul, David was dwelling in the wilderness with his 600 loyal warriors. Nabal lived in maon but worked and likely owned land in nearby carmel. Those lands lay amidst grassy uplands suitable for raising sheep of which Nabal owned 3,000. In these regions, David and his men struggled to survive, no doubt hunting for their food and enduring many hardships. They often encountered the young men who worked as shepherds for Nabal. One day, David sent 10 messengers to Nabal to ask for help. David chose the moment wisely, it was the the festive time of sheepshearing, when generosity and feasting were customary. He also chose his words with care, using polite terms and forms of address. He even referred to himself as "your son David", perhaps a respectful acknowledgement of Nabal's greater age but in response Nabal "Screamed rebukes at them". He complained loudly about his precious bread,water and slaughtered meat. He rediculed David as inconsequential and compared him to a run away servant.-1sam25:10,11,14.
When the emissaries reported back to David, he became furious. "Gird on everyone his sword!"he commanded. Arming himself, David led 400 of his men to attack, he vowed to wipe out every male in Nabal's household.(1sam25:12,13,21,22) David's ire was understandable but his way of expressing it was wrong. The bible says: "man's wrath does not work out God's rightousness.

BLEESED BE YOUR SENSIBLENESS

One of Nabal's young workmen, perhaps a shepherd came to Abigail, trusting that she would come up with a plan to save her household and immediately Abigail thought and acted quickly. " At once she hastened, prepared a generous gift for David and his men. It included bread,wine,sheep,roasted grain,caked of raisins and cakes of figs. Clearly abigail knew well what she had and was thoroughly incharge of her household responsibilities, much like the capable wife later described in the book of proverbs (prov 31:10-31) she sent the provisions ahead with some of her servants, then followed alone. But we read to the her husband Nabal she told nothing(1sam 25:18&19). Before long, Abigail met up with David and his men . Again she hastened this time to descend from her donkey and humble herself before David(1sam25:20,23).

She poured out her heart at length, making a powerful plea of mercy in behalf of her husband and her household. She kook responsibility for the problem and asked David to forgive her personally. She expressed her trust in David as God's representative, recognising he was fighting the wars of Jehovah. She also indicated that she knew of God's promise regarding David and the kingship for she said: "Jehovah certainly will commission you as leader over isreal." Further she urged David not to take any action that might bring bloodguilt upon him or that might later become "a curse for staggering"-evidently referring to a troubled conscience. (1sam 25:24-31)kind moving words.

David's Response

He accepted what Abigail had brought and said "Blessed be Jehovah the God of isreal, who has sent you this day to meet me! And blessed be your sensibleness and blessed be you who have restrained me this day from entering into bloodguilt" David praised her for bravely hastening to meet him and he acknowledged that she had restrained him from incurring bloodguilt. " Go up in peace to your house," he told her, and he humbly added: "I have listened to your voice".
Abigail left and later came in to Nabal her husband and told him of the gift she had given to David and his men, he had a rigth to know. Nabal was drunk as usual because of the feast he had. So again she showed discretion and courage and waited till morning when the influence of the wine had ebbed. He would be sober enough to understand her. After telling him all that happened, his heart came to be dead inside him, he himself became as a stone perhaps he had suffered some form of stroke. However after 10 days his end came- and not strictly for medical reasons . The account tells us, "Jehovah struck Nabal so that he died" (1sam 25:38) Abigails long nightmare of marriage was over.

MORAL LESSON

Even in the face of trial, we should depend on God and act courageously as did Abigail.
When we are being counselled or cautioned, we should be humble enough to accept counsel and act decisively as did David.
Irrespective of our marrital issues, may we always be eager as virteous women and take full responsibility of our household.

Thanks for Reading.
My shout out goes to @steemchurch @sirknight @Darleny01 @uyobong @maxdevalue ......for your love and support. I remain your dearie Rechylove💃

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