A Graceful Dangling

Proverbs 3:21-22 “My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck.” (NIV)*

Something preserved is something protected…sealed to last a long time. Preservation implies value. Special treasures require special care.

Sound judgment is solid thinking; it’s doing the math and counting the cost. It’s facing reality head-on.

Discernment is distinguishing choices and knowing right from wrong. It’s thinking with clarity, then making a wise, gut level call.

So wear sound judgment and discernment as ornaments around the neck. Treasure them, not letting them out of sight. They’ll be life giving.

And by all means, let sound judgment and discernment dangle near the heart. But how?

Write out truths and tape them to the bathroom mirror.

Trek through The One Year Bible* with a novice blog writer.

Download an app of God’s Word and commit to daily reading.

Memorize precious promises.

Search out solid, discerning teachers and stick to them like glue.

Then, place sound judgment and discernment on a chain and slip them over your head, clasped to hang from the neck. May their worth catch the eye, yet not flaunt, weigh down, or choke life from others. Wear the necklace as a reminder to you, and a blessing to those you meet along the way.

May they be a graceful dangling.

*The One Year Bible, New International Version, copyright 1986, Tyndale House Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois.

photo by Patty Perkins