Proverbs 18:13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
The word "Discreetly" means to show good judgment, reserve, and spiritual discernment, and as it pertains to answering matters or questions of a delicate nature, much wisdom and restraint should be exercised by the Christian, lest we utter statements without the understanding, or without considering what effect it may have on the hearers. Discretion is especially needed when asked to reply on a matter that we are not familiar with, or some issue in which there is limited knowledge or sparse facts. The passage of scripture above cautions us not to be hasty in our speech, for it can result in folly or misunderstandings.
Before the apostle Peter was fully converted, he was one who tended to answer matters spontaneously, without careful consideration, and although God was able to use this very trait of character for the up-building of His kingdom, yet in some instances Peter answered without using good discretion. Prominent among these instances was the occasion when he was questioned about whether or not Christ paid the temple dues that were required by every Jew for the up-keep of the sanctuary and its services. Without pausing to consider the nature and implication of the question which was deliberately crafted to draw a specific response, Peter hurriedly answered in the affirmative, but in doing so he inadvertently confirmed what the Jews wanted to believe of Jesus, that He was just an ordinary man, and not the Son of God as He claimed.
The priests and those who served at the altar were exempt from paying this tribute, and Christ who is the greatest of all high priests was more than entitled to exemption. Furthermore, all of the sanctuary services pointed to Jesus, in addition to the fact that He was also the owner of the temple and all of its materials, therefore by answering yes, Peter confirmed what they wanted to hear, that Christ was just an ordinary man, not being entitled to any exclusive favors. This hurried answer given by Peter was due for a correction by Christ, for if it was left hanging in the balance, without the proper response, the disciples could later fall prey to the specious devices of those who were hunting Christ's life. Let's read:
Matthew 17:24 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? 25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? 26 Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.
In other words, if the children of earthly kings are exempt from paying tribute, then the Son of the King of the universe must also be free from this requirement. But Jesus did not stop there, for if the tribute was not paid, then He would be accused of leading a rebellion against the sanctuary and its services, which the Jews regarded with idolatry. And so in order to prevent the evil question from metastasizing, Christ manifested sound discretion by sending in the tribute money for Himself and Peter, thus showing that as His disciples, we are not to think of ourselves as being above established law and order, as it pertains to the church which He has established. Let's read:
Matthew 17:27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.
This incident is full of instruction for us who are prone to answer hastily, without due consideration of the facts. In the situation that has developed in Ferguson Missouri, over the wanton killing of a black teenager, many have allowed their emotions to run riot, and have prematurely drawn final conclusions and answers about the nature and motive of the perpetrator. From all appearances it seems as if the officer in question may be headed for the slammer, but we do not have all the facts at our disposal as yet, and therefore we should refrain from the temptation to rush to final judgment, whilst the matter unfolds.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which cautions us not to be hasty in our speech, or in our responses to any situation, for once words are spoken impulsively, they are scarcely ever fully retrieved. Let's read:
Proverbs 17:27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. 28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
May The Lord add His blessing to the doing of His every word. "Good night" and God Bless!