Wisdom and tact are currently in short supply. Discretion is also running at an all-time low. Arrogance and pugnacious behavior are the norm in our day and time. 

Consider the outcomes of wisdom and tact and, likewise, the outcomes of arrogance and pugnacity. 

Daniel’s wisdom and tact saved the lives of a whole lot of people, including himself and his three closest friends. Wisdom and tact are like that, aren’t they? They are preservatives of a sort. They are easier to listen to, more enjoyable to work with, and they lend themselves toward cooperation rather than damnation. 

Arrogance and pugnacity, on the other hand, are always looking for a fight. They argue when a conversation would prove more productive. They belittle when edifying affirmations would provide common ground. 

One of the problems of our day is the guaranteed publication and distribution of the arrogant and pugnacious and the oblivion consigned to wisdom and tact, kindness and compassion. Jerks get more attention than the gentle. 

Attention is not a good measure of value. 

Pause a moment and ponder what we read here in Daniel 2. One man’s wisdom, tact, and discretion, combined with his three friends’ prayers, led to life-saving direction from God. Changing the world, at least in part, happens when we are wise and tactful, discrete and humble. 

In the most turbulent moment of his life so far, Daniel’s steadiness in his dependence on God ruled the day, answered the biggest question, and solved the biggest problem. What if we lived and behaved likewise?

What if we asked powerful questions to understand most clearly what is going on and what are the stakes?

What if we asked for an opportunity to pray, and then gathered friends to pray with u? 

What if we trusted God to do what only God can do? 

What if we gave God all the credit?

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I will cultivate a life of wisdom, tact, and discretion.

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Our Father, wisdom is a gift you give those who evaluate their experiences in the light of your eternal purpose. Tact is the space you provide that allows thoughts to unfold, questions to arise, and answers to arrive in the right manner and the right timing. Discretion is the kindness you offer that ensures others get to participate in the goodness you make possible without fear of embarrassment or failure. Bless us in this season of loud and hateful declarations that we may live with wisdom, tact, and discretion. Amen.