What does the Bible teach about discernment?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Discernment is what enables us to have proper understanding and make wise judgements. Think of it as a heightened level of critical thinking. The dictionary definition of discernment is: "discrimination; acuteness of judgment and understanding." Discernment is similar to wisdom, but the primary difference between the two lies in the distinction of discernment being able to help us to decipher right from wrong, truth from falsehood. The Bible makes it clear that discernment is something that we should all desire and that it is necessary to help us to grow in our faith and keep us from being deceived (Hebrews 5:14).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• King David asked for discernment, and so should we (Psalm 119:125).
• Solomon, given the opportunity by God to ask for anything, requested "an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil" (1 Kings 3:9). God was pleased by Solomon's request and promised him, "behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you" (1 Kings 3:12).
• Discernment is something we need to ask for and seek if we truly desire to live righteously. Hosea 14:9 says, "Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the LORD are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them." We cannot follow the ways of the Lord without discernment.
• Discernment is of crucial importance to our lives as believers in Christ, and with it comes great benefits. Proverbs 3:21–24 says:
• “My son, do not lose sight of these—
• keep sound wisdom and discretion,
• and they will be life for your soul
• and adornment for your neck.
• Then you will walk on your way securely,
• and your foot will not stumble.
• If you lie down, you will not be afraid;
• when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet."

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Paul prayed for discernment for the believers: "And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God" (Philippians 1:9–11).
• We need discernment in order to understand the Bible itself. Our human minds cannot understand the Scriptures without the discernment that comes from the Holy Spirit. "The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Corinthians 2:14).
• God’s Word has wisdom we need for our lives: "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12).
• The Scriptures make us wise, but this can't happen unless we have the discernment to understand and apply them (2 Timothy 3:12–17).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Discernment is essential for all believers as it equips us to navigate life’s challenges with wisdom and clarity. When we ask God for discernment, we can trust that He will generously provide it, enabling us to recognize what is true, reject what is false, and make decisions that honor Him. This empowers us to live a life of purpose and conviction, firmly rooted in our faith and better equipped to follow Christ’s teachings. God’s desire is for us to be spiritually aware and confident in His guidance, so we can stand strong against deception and reflect His truth in every aspect of our lives.

UNDERSTAND

• Discernment is the ability to distinguish right from wrong and truth from falsehood.
• The Bible calls us to seek discernment to grow in our faith and avoid deception.
• Discernment enables us to understand and apply God’s Word correctly in our lives.

REFLECT

• How has God shown you the importance of seeking discernment in your everyday decisions?
• When have you experienced a time where discernment helped you recognize a deceptive situation or person?
• What steps can you take to develop greater discernment according to God’s Word and Spirit?

ENGAGE

• Why is discernment critical for us to grow in our faith and avoid deception in a world full of conflicting messages?
• How does practicing discernment shape the way we understand and apply God’s Word in our daily lives?
• What can we learn from biblical examples, such as Solomon, about seeking and using discernment wisely in our lives?