|
The dictionary defines Discernment as being to be able to distinguish between things, or to be able to make out things over a long distance, or to be able to make out separate elements of a thing or concept
The Bible talks about discernment too.
The bible not only lists discernment as a spiritual gift, but it talks about discernment throughout, in Old and New Testaments alike. Here are some instances where it mentions discernment.
Genesis 41:33 (NIV) "And now let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man and put him in charge of the land of Egypt."
Any idea what this might be about?
Joseph has just explained Pharaoh's dream. Dreams are perhaps the most illusive thing to discern. Some are just the imagination gone amok, a few may be prophetic, and even fewer may be visions.
Pharaoh's reaction?
Genesis 41:39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. "
Here's another example...
1 Kings 3:9 (NIV) So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?"
Any idea what this might be about? It is King Solomon's request of God. He was given his choice of gifts, and he asked for discernment. And how did God react?
1 Kings 3:10-12 (NIV) The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, "Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.
Job 6:30 (NIV) Is there any wickedness on my lips? Can my mouth not discern malice?
What's going on here?
Job is having a hard time here (understatement), and others are urging him to curse God. Yet he knows that his inflections are not caused by God, for Job had discernment.
|
The Proverbs tell us much about
Discernment Proverbs tell us much about Discernment
Proverbs 3:21 (NIV) My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight;
Proverbs 10:13 (NIV) Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment.
Perhaps judgment is another word for discernment. Why do you think he says a rod is for him who lacks
judgment? Because bad judgment leads to bad decisions and we suffer from bad decisions
Proverbs 14:6 (NIV) The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.
Some people struggle to know right from wrong, while others just seem to "know". This is a gift.
What do you think you can do to prepare yourself to have discernment?
Proverbs 16:21 (NIV) The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant
words promote instruction.
Discernment is a special kind of wisdom. What separates it from the garden variety of wisdom, and why do you think Paul, and others, set it apart? It focuses on knowing God; his will, his right and wrong, and his directions. It comes from the heart, not the mind.
Proverbs 17:24 (NIV) A discerning man keeps wisdom in view, but a fool's
eyes wander to the ends of the earth.
Discernment keeps wisdom in view - we have to STAY focused on God to have discernment. If we do not, we will lose this gift.
Proverbs 17:28 (NIV) Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and
discerning if he holds his tongue.
Beware the person who always claims to speak for God. The unwise, and the foolish (and sometimes even the evil) will talk more than they know.
Proverbs 19:25 (NIV) Flog a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke a discerning man, and he will gain knowledge.
A discerning person understands that they too have a lot to learn, and do learn.
[ Back ] [ Next ]
|
