The featured character for the month of July is "Discretion." Discretion versus simplemindedness is recognizing and avoiding words, actions and attitudes which could bring undesirable consequences.</p><p>Discretion in the home includes:</p><p>* Being careful not to say things that could spark a fight or argument.</p><p>* Keeping the wrong influences from certain movies and books out of the home.</p><p>* Refraining from using words that discourage one another.</p><p>* Helping one another remember to think before speaking.</p><p>* Avoiding negative body language and words that criticize and dishonor one another.</p><p>* Foreseeing the hidden extra cost of spending more than the family income.</p><p>To obtain the character of discretion a person must:</p><p>* Choose your words carefully.</p><p>* Practice good manners.</p><p>* Listen to criticism.</p><p>* Not make fun of others.</p><p>* Turn down any invitations to do wrong.</p><p>The rewards of discretion are friendship and safety.</p><p>Friendship - Gossip can cause strife between even the best of friends. Refusing to talk negatively of another person behind his or her back gives the opportunity for deep, unbroken friendships.</p><p>Safety - Having the prudence to know when a certain pathway is dangerous and choosing to avoid it ensures safety from ugly scars and hurt.</p><p>Calvin Coolidge once said, "I have never been hurt in anything I didn't say."