Discernment

Discernment does not come naturally. The ability to discern the good aspects of our difficult aspects and learn from them is not an inherent human trait. That kind of practical wisdom must come from above, from the Giver of Good gifts.

• James 1:2-7 HCSB Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. 5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.

Discernment must first be aimed at one’s self. We will never be able to accurately discern what is right or wrong in others if we are blind to our own flaws.

• Matthew 7:1-5 HCSB "Do not judge, so that you won't be judged. 2 For with the judgment you use, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye but don't notice the log in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' and look, there's a log in your eye? 5 Hypocrite! First take the log out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.

Discernment implies the ability to understand when to speak and when to be quiet. Not all knowledge that is gained must be verbally expressed.

• Matthew 7:6 HCSB Don't give what is holy to dogs or toss your pearls before pigs, or they will trample them with their feet, turn, and tear you to pieces.

Discernment comes to those who persist in seeking it from God. Right judgment can only come from Yahweh Shaphat and He does not always immediately respond. Sometimes He puts us through a process to see if we are serious. However, when He does come through, His answer will not only be timely but perfect.

• Matthew 7:7-11 HCSB "Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 9 What man among you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

Discernment stems from empathy. It is only when we can place ourselves in other’s shoes that we will be able to read their hearts and minds.

• Matthew 7:12 HCSB Therefore, whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them--this is the Law and the Prophets.

Spiritual things are spiritually discerned. Those who are spiritually and emotionally stunted are myopic in regards to many things.

• 1 Corinthians 2:13-14 HCSB We also speak these things, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual things to spiritual people. 14 But the natural man does not welcome what comes from God's Spirit, because it is foolishness to him; he is not able to know it since it is evaluated spiritually.

Discernment comes to those who are humble.

• Psalms 25:9 HCSB He leads the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.
• Psalms 32:8-10 HCSB I will instruct you and show you the way to go; with My eye on you, I will give counsel. 9 Do not be like a horse or mule, without understanding, that must be controlled with bit and bridle, or else it will not come near you. 10 Many pains come to the wicked, but the one who trusts in the LORD will have faithful love surrounding him.

Discernment comes to those who completely rely on Hashem’s commands.

• Psalms 119:66 HCSB Teach me good judgment and discernment, for I rely on Your commands.

Spiritual growth and maturity are essential for discernment. Carefully study of, adherence to, and long experience with the Scriptures result in being able to consistently distinguish right from wrong.

• Hebrews 5:12-14 HCSB For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of God's revelation. You need milk, not solid food. 13 Now everyone who lives on milk is inexperienced with the message about righteousness, because he is an infant. 14 But solid food is for the mature--for those whose senses have been trained to distinguish between good and evil.