Why discernment matters
What is discernment? In a biblical sense, it’s the ability to tell the difference between right and wrong, truth and lies, and wisdom and foolishness. It’s about using biblical principles to make sound judgments and see the subtle differences between things.
In today’s world, discernment is more important than ever. We’re constantly bombarded with deception and misinformation, and Christians need to be able to navigate complex ethical dilemmas with a discerning heart and mind. If we don’t have that ability to discern, we may struggle to know who to trust or what to believe.
Thankfully, God promises to give wisdom and discernment to those who seek Him. The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in true discernment, guiding believers into truth. The Bible is full of verses that speak to the importance of discernment and how to cultivate it in our lives. And because of those truths, there are many relevant bible verses for discernment that can help to guide you.
Foundations of Biblical Discernment: Wisdom, Knowledge, and the Fear of the Lord
So, where do we even begin to grow in discernment? According to the Bible, it starts with a foundation of wisdom, knowledge, and something the scriptures call “the fear of the Lord.” Let’s unpack that a bit.
The Fear of the Lord: The Starting Point
Wait, fear? Isn’t God about love? Well, the “fear of the Lord” isn’t about being terrified. It’s about reverence, respect, and awe for God’s power and authority.
Proverbs 1:7 tells us that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” It’s like saying that true understanding starts with recognizing who God is.
When we revere God, we’re more likely to seek His guidance and follow His commands. This respect helps protect us from pride and relying on ourselves, which leads to humility and a willingness to learn.
Seeking Wisdom and Knowledge from God
How do we get this wisdom and knowledge? The Bible points to two main paths: prayer and scripture.
James 1:5 encourages us to ask God for wisdom, promising that He’ll give it generously. Consistent prayer helps us become more sensitive to God’s voice and direction.
Studying God’s Word is also key. The Bible gives us a foundation for understanding truth and spotting falsehoods.
Differentiating Biblical Wisdom from Worldly Wisdom
It’s important to realize that not all wisdom is created equal. The Bible distinguishes between God’s wisdom and the world’s wisdom.
Worldly wisdom is often driven by self-interest, ambition, and getting rich. It can lead to pride, arrogance, and ignoring God’s principles.
Biblical wisdom, on the other hand, is characterized by gentleness, peace, and righteousness. It prioritizes love, humility, and a desire to honor God in everything we do.
The Holy Spirit’s Role in Spiritual Discernment
For Christians, the Holy Spirit isn’t just a concept, it’s a living presence that guides and empowers. When it comes to discernment, the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role.
The Holy Spirit as the Guide to Truth
The Holy Spirit illuminates the minds of believers, helping them understand spiritual truths. It’s like a light switch being flipped on, revealing the hidden things of God and giving believers the power to live according to His will.
One of the Spirit’s main jobs is to help believers tell the difference between truth and deception. It exposes the lies of the enemy, protecting believers from being led astray and helping them see clearly what is right and wrong.
Gifts of the Spirit and Discernment
In 1 Corinthians 12:10, the Bible talks about the gift of distinguishing between spirits. This is one of many spiritual gifts God gives to equip believers for specific roles in the church. These gifts are unique to each person, and they’re meant to be used to build up the church and advance God’s kingdom.
But it’s not just about having the gift; it’s about using it responsibly. Discernment should always be exercised in love and humility, seeking to build up others rather than tear them down.
Testing the Spirits: A Biblical Mandate
1 John 4:1 tells believers to test the spirits to see whether they are from God. This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a command. Not every spiritual manifestation is from God, so discernment is needed to distinguish between what’s true and what’s false.
So how do you test the spirits? First, compare the message to the teachings of Scripture. Does it line up with what the Bible says? Second, examine the fruit of the spirit in the lives of those who claim to speak for God. Are they exhibiting love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? Finally, seek counsel from mature believers who have a track record of discernment. They can offer valuable insight and guidance.
Practical Steps to Cultivate a Discerning Heart
So, how do you go about getting more discernment in your life? Here are some things to try:
Immerse Yourself in Scripture
Spending time reading and studying the Bible is critical if you want to develop your discernment. Consistent study of the Word of God helps you renew your mind and trains you to think more in line with God’s truth.
Try memorizing key verses, too. If you have ready access to Scripture, you’ll have guidance whenever you need to make a decision. And, applying biblical principles in your day-to-day life will reinforce your discernment skills and strengthen your spiritual understanding.
Cultivate a Prayerful Life
Prayer is a vital part of cultivating a discerning heart. Talk to God about everything that’s on your mind. Ask for His guidance and wisdom as you make choices.
Prayer isn’t just about talking to God, though. It’s also about listening for God. Strive to cultivate a quiet spirit and be attentive to the leading of the Holy Spirit in your life.
Seek Godly Counsel
Proverbs reminds us of the importance of seeking counsel from wise and experienced mentors. Try to surround yourself with people who are grounded in Scripture and have a history of good judgment.
At the same time, remember that even godly counsel should be evaluated in light of Scripture and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Weigh any advice you receive carefully and think about the possible consequences before you make a decision.
Renewing the Mind
Romans 12:2 calls on us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. That means replacing worldly ways of thinking with biblical perspectives.
Pay attention to the negative thought patterns that can hinder your discernment. Challenge those thoughts and replace them with positive statements based on God’s Word.
Discernment in Action: Applying Biblical Principles to Daily Life
The Bible speaks often about discernment. But how do you do it? Here are some examples of how to use biblical principles to guide your everyday life.
Making Wise Decisions
Use discernment to make wise decisions, evaluating your choices through a biblical lens. Before you make a decision, consider what the Bible says about that type of situation, and also consider the potential consequences of your choices. Will your decision bring you closer to God, or further away? Will it help your relationships with others, or hurt them?
Pray for wisdom and discernment before you make an important decision, and trust that God will lead you in the right direction.
Identifying False Teachings
Discernment is also crucial for identifying false teachings. Be aware of the tactics that false teachers use to deceive others, and look for inconsistencies with Scripture, manipulative behavior, and a focus on self-promotion. Stay grounded in sound doctrine, and be wary of teachings that deviate from biblical truth. Test everything against the Word of God, and be willing to challenge error.
Navigating Relationships with Discernment
When it comes to relationships, be discerning about who you allow to influence your life. Surround yourself with friends who encourage you in your faith and hold you accountable. Approach conflict with humility, grace, and a desire for reconciliation. Seek to understand the other person’s perspective, and find solutions that honor God.
Using Media and Technology with Discernment
In today’s digital age, it’s more important than ever to use media and technology with discernment. Be mindful of the content you consume, and choose sources that are trustworthy, edifying, and aligned with biblical values. Set boundaries to protect yourself from pornography, violence, and other harmful content. Use technology responsibly, and avoid addictive behaviors.
Bible Verses for Discernment and Wisdom
The Bible has a lot to say about discernment. Here are a few verses that might help you get started:
1 Kings 3:9 – Seeking a Discerning Heart
The gist: Solomon asked God to give him a discerning heart so he could lead God’s people well.
Why it matters: This verse shows that leaders benefit from having discernment and that discernment comes from God. We can all use Solomon as an example and ask for wisdom to help us do what we’re supposed to do.
Philippians 1:9-10 – Growing in Discernment Through Love
The gist: Paul prayed that the love of the Philippians would keep growing along with their knowledge and discernment.
Why it matters: This verse says that love and discernment go together. As we love more, we should be able to discern more. Having knowledge and discernment helps us guide our love for others.
Psalm 119:66 – Learning from God’s Commands
The gist: The writer of the psalm asked God to teach him good judgment and knowledge because he believed in God’s commands.
Why it matters: This verse connects discernment to obeying God. Understanding and following God’s instructions leads to good judgment.
1 Corinthians 2:14 – Discernment Through the Holy Spirit
The gist: A person without the Spirit doesn’t accept the things that come from God’s Spirit. They seem foolish because a person can only understand them with the Spirit’s help.
Why it matters: This verse says that we can only have spiritual discernment if we have the Holy Spirit. It also points out that worldly understanding is different from spiritual understanding.
Hebrews 5:14 – Training for Discernment
The gist: Solid food is for mature people — people who have trained themselves to know the difference between good and evil.
Why it matters: This verse talks about how we can train our discernment over time through consistent practice. Discernment is a skill that gets better as we work at it.
James 1:5 – Asking God for Wisdom
The gist: If you need wisdom, ask God! He gives generously and won’t find fault with you.
Why it matters: This verse tells us to ask God for wisdom. He’ll give it to us.
1 Kings 4:29 – Receiving God-Given Wisdom
The gist: God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure — as vast as the sand on the seashore.
Why it matters: This verse shows how much wisdom God can give. Solomon is a great example of someone who got amazing wisdom from God.
Proverbs 3:21-22 – Holding onto Sound Judgment
The gist: Don’t lose sight of sound judgment and discretion. They’re vital for our well-being.
Why it matters: This verse says we should hold onto sound judgment and discretion because they’re so important for our lives.
Proverbs 2:3-5 – Seeking Wisdom Like Treasure
The gist: If you call out for insight and search for understanding like hidden treasure, you’ll understand what it means to fear the Lord and you’ll find the knowledge of God.
Why it matters: This verse says we should seek wisdom as hard as we’d work to find hidden treasure. Seeking wisdom takes effort and persistence.
Ephesians 5:17 – Understanding the Lord’s Will
The gist: Don’t be foolish. Instead, try to understand what the Lord wants.
Why it matters: This verse encourages us to understand God’s will. It takes effort and discernment to do that. It warns us not to be foolish and instead seek understanding.
Wrapping Up
More than a one-time skill, discernment is a lifelong quest. It means committing to a life of seeking God’s wisdom and guidance in everything you do.
When you live a discerning life, you’ll find peace, clarity, and a deeper connection with God. You’ll feel empowered to face life’s challenges with confidence, knowing that you’re making choices that honor God and align with His will.
So, how can you embrace the call to cultivate a discerning heart and mind? Start by asking God for wisdom. Then, dive into His Word, and trust the Holy Spirit to lead you into truth. As you do, you’ll find yourself making decisions that not only benefit you but also bring glory to God.