Question 1

What is discernment?

Accepted Answer

1 Kings 4:29God gave Solomon very great wisdom and understanding, and knowledge as vast as the sands of the seashore.Psalm 119:34Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart.Psalm 119:125Give discernment to me, your servant; then I will understand your laws.Proverbs 1:2Their purpose [of Proverbs] is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise.Proverbs 2:1-6My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.Proverbs 8:12I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment. I know where to discover knowledge and discernment.Isaiah 11:2The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.Philippians 1:9-10I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return.Hebrews 5:14Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.James 1:5-8If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.1 John 2:21, 27So I am writing to you not because you don’t know the truth but because you know the difference between truth and lies. . . . But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true.Discernment is the ability to tell the difference between right and wrong, true and false, good and bad, important and trivial, godly and ungodly. Discernment helps us properly interpret issues and understand the motives of those pushing a certain agenda. Discernment shows us the way through the maze of options that we face. Like the sun that burns away fog, discernment cuts through confusion and distractions and brings clarity to life.Proverbs 9:10Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.Discernment is a stepping stone to wisdom. It enables us to see behind the facades that twist or hide truth. Whereas the devil is the father of lies, God is the source of all truth, and he gives discernment to those who seek it.1 Corinthians 2:12-16We have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths. But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. . . . But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.Discernment is learning to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit, who promises to guide us to recognize God’s truth. The Holy Spirit directs our thoughts and decisions toward a God-centered perspective on life.

Question 2

What happens when I use discernment?

Accepted Answer

2 Samuel 14:17“‘Yes, my lord the king will give us peace of mind again.’ I know that you are like an angel of God in discerning good from evil. May the Lord your God be with you.”Job 34:3-4“‘The ear tests the words it hears just as the mouth distinguishes between foods.’ So let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good.”Isaiah 7:15By the time this child is old enough to choose what is right and reject what is wrong, he will be eating yogurt and honey.Hebrews 5:14Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.Discernment helps us clearly see what is right and wrong, good and bad.Proverbs 3:21-23My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, for they will refresh your soul. They are like jewels on a necklace. They keep you safe on your way, and your feet will not stumble.Discernment gives us a knack for good planning and insight.Deuteronomy 13:1-3“Suppose there are prophets among you or those who dream dreams about the future, and they promise you signs or miracles, and the predicted signs or miracles occur. If they then say, ‘Come, let us worship other gods’—gods you have not known before—do not listen to them. The Lord your God is testing you to see if you truly love him with all your heart and soul.”Deuteronomy 18:21-22“But you may wonder, ‘How will we know whether or not a prophecy is from the Lord?’ If the prophet speaks in the Lord’s name but his prediction does not happen or come true, you will know that the Lord did not give that message. That prophet has spoken without my authority and need not be feared.”Jeremiah 23:25-28, 36-37“I have heard these prophets say, ‘Listen to the dream I had from God last night.’ And then they proceed to tell lies in my name. How long will this go on? If they are prophets, they are prophets of deceit, inventing everything they say. By telling these false dreams, they are trying to get my people to forget me . . . There is a difference between straw and grain! . . . But stop using this phrase, ‘prophecy from the Lord.’ For people are using it to give authority to their own ideas, turning upside down the words of our God, the living God, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “This is what you should say to the prophets: ‘What is the Lord’s answer?’ or ‘What is the Lord saying?’”1 Corinthians 14:29Let two or three people prophesy, and let the others evaluate what is said.1 Corinthians 12:10He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said.1 Timothy 4:1Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons.Revelation 2:2“I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars.”Discernment helps us clearly see the difference between true and false teaching. It is critical to discern what comes from God and what comes from those who pretend to represent God so that we are not led astray.Proverbs 10:21The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense.Discernment helps us see the difference between good advice and lack of common sense.Hosea 14:9Let those who are wise understand these things. Let those with discernment listen carefully. The paths of the Lord are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them. But in those paths sinners stumble and fall.Discernment helps us see the difference between the Lord’s ways and the ways of sinners.Proverbs 15:21Foolishness brings joy to those with no sense; a sensible person stays on the right path.Discernment helps us more clearly see the difference between wisdom and foolishness.

Question 3

Why is discernment important?

Accepted Answer

Psalm 14:2The Lord looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God.God gives special attention to those who are seeking his truth.Proverbs 4:7Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.Proverbs 16:16How much better to get wisdom than gold, and good judgment than silver!Discernment is a valuable compass for daily living, and cultivating it should be a priority in our lives. It points us to God’s wisdom rather than human foolishness.Proverbs 3:21-23My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, for they will refresh your soul. They are like jewels on a necklace. They keep you safe on your way, and your feet will not stumble.Discernment enhances the quality of our lives. Godly wisdom and understanding keep us from tripping over the lies and deceptions Satan throws at us to trip us up.1 John 4:1-6Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. This is how we know if they have the Spirit of God: If a person claiming to be a prophet acknowledges that Jesus Christ came in a real body, that person has the Spirit of God. But if someone claims to be a prophet and does not acknowledge the truth about Jesus, that person is not from God.Discernment tunes our ears to God rather than to false teaching. God’s truth always supports the truth about Christ’s identity—that he is both fully human and fully divine.

Question 4

How can I become more discerning?

Accepted Answer

1 Kings 3:9-10“Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?” The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom.Psalm 119:18Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions.Psalm 119:27, 66, 125, 169Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds. . . . I believe in your commands; now teach me good judgment and knowledge. . . . Give discernment to me, your servant; then I will understand your laws. . . . O Lord, listen to my cry; give me the discerning mind you promised.Proverbs 9:10Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.Daniel 2:21[God] controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars.Daniel 2:27-28Daniel replied, “There are no wise men, enchanters, magicians, or fortune-tellers who can reveal the king’s secret. But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and he has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the future. Now I will tell you your dream and the visions you saw as you lay on your bed.”James 1:5If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.1 John 5:14-15We are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.The better we know God, the source of wisdom, the more discerning we will become.Psalm 19:7The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.Psalm 119:98-100, 130Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are my constant guide. Yes, I have more insight than my teachers, for I am always thinking of your laws. I am even wiser than my elders, for I have kept your commandments. . . . The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand.Psalm 119:104Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life.Romans 2:18You know what he wants; you know what is right because you have been taught his law.Hebrews 5:14Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.God is the source of truth and wisdom. He has revealed this truth and wisdom in his Word. The more we read and study it, the more discerning we will become.1 Corinthians 2:12-15We have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths. But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others.The Holy Spirit is our Counselor and Advocate and dwells within all who trust and follow Jesus Christ. Through the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we will discern God’s truth more fully.Jeremiah 31:33“But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel after those days,” says the Lord. “I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.”Romans 12:2Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.1 Corinthians 2:16For, “Who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?” But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.The more fully we mirror the mind of Christ, the more discerning we will become.

Question 5

What are some characteristics of discerning people?

Accepted Answer

James 3:17The wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.Discerning people demonstrate peace, love, gentleness, mercy, and goodness—characteristics that come from God.1 Chronicles 22:12May the Lord give you wisdom and understanding, that you may obey the Law of the Lord your God as you rule over Israel.Psalm 119:34Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart.Proverbs 28:7Young people who obey the law are wise; those with wild friends bring shame to their parents.Discerning people obey God’s Word and are a blessing to those associated with them.Proverbs 17:10A single rebuke does more for a person of understanding than a hundred lashes on the back of a fool.Proverbs 19:25If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded will learn a lesson; if you correct the wise, they will be all the wiser.Discerning people listen to counsel and learn from reproof.Proverbs 1:5Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidanceProverbs 9:9Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more.Proverbs 10:14Wise people treasure knowledge, but the babbling of a fool invites disaster.Proverbs 14:6A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it, but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding.Proverbs 15:14A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash.Proverbs 17:24Sensible people keep their eyes glued on wisdom, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.Proverbs 18:15Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge.Discerning people grow in wisdom as they listen to God.

Question 6

Can just anyone have discernment?

Accepted Answer

Proverbs 14:33Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart; wisdom is not found among fools.Proverbs 18:2Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.1 Corinthians 2:14People who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means.Anyone can develop greater discernment by pursuing wisdom and developing a deeper sense of right and wrong. But discernment in matters of faith can only be exercised by those who know God personally.

Question 7

What are the benefits of discernment?

Accepted Answer

Proverbs 3:13Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding.Proverbs 3:21-23Don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, for they will refresh your soul. They are like jewels on a necklace. They keep you safe on your way, and your feet will not stumble.Proverbs 4:12When you walk, you won’t be held back; when you run, you won’t stumble.Discernment enhances the quality of our lives and our discipleship. Godly wisdom and understanding keep us from tripping over the lies and deceptions of the devil.Proverbs 9:11Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life.Discernment preserves our lives, keeping us safe from dangers that threaten to destroy us.Psalm 1:1, 3Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, . . . They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season.Psalm 119:125Give discernment to me, your servant; then I will understand your laws.Discernment helps you grow spiritually mature as you grasp God’s truth more clearly and better understand his plan for you.Daniel 2:48Then the king appointed Daniel to a high position and gave him many valuable gifts. He made Daniel ruler over the whole province of Babylon, as well as chief over all his wise men.Those with discernment often rise to leadership.Proverbs 24:3A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense.Proverbs 11:9With their words, the godless destroy their friends, but knowledge will rescue the righteous.Discernment is healthy for relationships.