#1343. Proverbs 11:9–13 – The Importance of Discretion (3/9/25)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional where we are continuing in our Wisdom for Life series from Proverbs. 

Today, from Proverbs 11:9–13, we reflect on the value of discretion — the kind of wise, careful speech and conduct that protects and builds others and honours God.

To watch this devotional, please select the link below. 

i. Do our words build or destroy?

Words have incredible power. They can build up or tear down. And here, Proverbs reminds us that the godless destroy others not by violence or weapons — but with their mouths. Gossip, lies, slander, criticism, manipulation — these are the tools of verbal destruction.

But the righteous are not caught in these traps. Why? Because they live by knowledge — they know God, His Word, and His ways. This knowledge helps them discern how to use their mouths to build up rather than to destroy - others and themselves!

ii. Does our behaviour bring joy to others? 

These proverbs show us the social power of righteousness. When godly people thrive, everyone benefits — not just the righteous themselves, but the wider community. Cities rejoice. Justice is upheld. Peace flourishes.

But when the wicked rise to influence, they corrupt and destroy through deceitful words and self-serving agendas. The mouth of the wicked — filled with lies, greed, and manipulation — pulls communities apart.

So let’s be the kind of people who lift others up, who bless their neighbours, and who use their words to speak life. This is why Christians are called ‘The salt of the earth’ (Matthew 6:13); and ‘The light of the world’ (Matthew 6:14). Through the righteous words and deeds of Christians and the church, a community is to be enriched. 

iii. Do we speak with discretion? 

We live in a culture where people are often unwise in how they speak about others — online, in the workplace, or among friends. But wisdom often looks like silence. The one who mocks or ridicules others shows foolishness and pride, but the one who ‘holds their tongue’ shows discretion and understanding.

To ‘deride’ is to belittle, to speak of someone with contempt. Love, in contrast, shows restraint. It listens more than it speaks. It seeks for the good of those who are not present to defend themselves. 

iv. Can we be trusted with others’ words? 

Gossip is speaking about someone who isn’t present in a way that does not seek their good. Gossip is also about sharing things that you should not. We are to be trustworthy when people confide in us. When someone shares in confidence, they are entrusting us with something vulnerable. When that trust is broken, the damage is deep.

A trustworthy person, on the other hand, is a safe place. They know when to speak and when to stay silent. They are discreet and wise. Discretion doesn’t mean hiding truth, but handling it with care and love.

In response:

• Are you guarding your words, using them to build rather than destroy?

• Are you ‘salt’ and ‘light’ - bring health and joy to your community?

• Are you someone others can trust with their words? 

Let’s be those who use our voice and our actions to build up rather than to tear down - ourselves, our neighbours, friends and community. 

Let’s pray together:

“Father, thank you for the gift of words. Help me to speak wisely — to use my mouth not to hurt or divide, but to heal and bless. Give me the discretion to stay silent when needed, and the courage to speak truth in love. Make me someone others can trust. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 

2. Icebreaker

How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

Week #13: Proverbs 11:1-11:31. A vision of the Righteous life

1. What themes stand out in this week’s section? Identify key ideas and repeated patterns. What is the focus of this section?

2. What promises does God offer, and what warnings does He give? Look for specific encouragements, blessings, or cautions in the text.

3. How does this speak into our lives today? What are the practical ways we could live this out — individually, in our families, in our community?

4. How is God calling you to respond? Consider what this means for your heart, your choices, and your direction.

5. SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• How might the wisdom in this week's section of Proverbs help us to be a light for Jesus?

• Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.

  
  

6. Let’s pray together: 

• Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.

• Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.

• Pray specifically for the 'people of peace' in our lives—asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.