The Better Part of Valour Is Discretion: Shakespeare and the Orthodox Path of Courage
“The better part of Valour is Discretion.”
— William Shakespeare, Henry IV, Part I
In Shakespeare’s history play, Sir John Falstaff delivers this line partly in jest, excusing his retreat from a fight. Yet, if we look past the humor, the phrase reveals a profound spiritual truth — one the Orthodox Church has understood for centuries: true courage often wears the robe of restraint.
Courage in the World vs. Courage in Christ
The world often paints courage as charging headlong into battle, proving oneself through force, confrontation, or dramatic acts. But in the Orthodox spiritual life, courage is rarely a noisy affair.
It is often quiet.
It is hidden.
It is obedient to God’s timing.
To fight the wrong battle, at the wrong time, in the wrong way, is not courage but folly. As in physical war, so in spiritual warfare: wisdom and discernment (διάκρισις) must guide our steps. Rushing into the enemy’s territory unprepared can lead to defeat — not only for ourselves, but for those we lead or inspire.
Look to the saints, and you will find that the greatest victories often came not from open confrontation, but from patient endurance and humble withdrawal:
St. Anthony the Great did not seek out demons to fight — yet he was ready when they came.
St. Isaac the Syrian counsels that when passions rage, sometimes the safest path is not to engage directly, but to retreat into prayer until the storm passes.
Our Lord Himself, when tempted by the devil, did not engage in clever argument, but used the words of Scripture and then dismissed him.
In the life of the Church, discretion is not cowardice — it is the mark of a soldier who knows when to draw the sword and when to keep it sheathed.
Spiritual Warfare and the Ego
There is also a hidden danger in so-called “zeal for God” that is actually zeal for our own ego. When we rush into every battle, determined to “prove our faith,” we may be feeding pride rather than defending truth.
The Desert Fathers often warned against unnecessary conflicts — whether with men or with demons — for the enemy can use our own pride as a weapon against us. True valour is not about being seen as brave, but about being faithful and humble before God.
Shakespeare’s Falstaff may have meant his words with a wink, but Orthodox Christians can hear them with sober ears: The better part of valour truly is discretion. In the hidden warfare of the heart, restraint is not weakness. It is strength guided by wisdom, humility, and the will of God.
Let us learn when to speak, when to act, and when to be silent — that the battles we do fight may be the ones God has called us to, and that in His time, we may be found victorious.
