“Discretion shall watch over thee; understanding shall keep thee.” (Prov. 2:11)
Two men were journeying through a dense forest. One carried a lantern that could only illuminate a short distance ahead, while the other had a map detailing the entire path. The first man, guided by the light, could avoid immediate obstacles and pitfalls but had no sense of the longer journey or the dangers that lay further ahead. The second man, with his map, understood the full route but struggled in the darkness without a light to guide his immediate steps.
When they met, they realised that by combining their resources—the light of discretion and the map of understanding—they could navigate the forest safely. The light helped them avoid immediate dangers, while the map kept them on the right path towards their final destination.
Similarly, in our spiritual lives, discretion helps us deal daily challenges, while understanding keeps us aligned with God’s broader plan for our salvation. Together, they lead us safely on our journey towards eternal life.
Discretion, or the ability to judge what is right and wrong with prudence, acts as a vigilant guardian over our actions and decisions. Understanding, the deeper comprehension of God’s will and the truths of the faith, preserves us from falling into error and sin.