The Gifts for Discernment
I believe that Godly people make ungodly decisions at times simply by not slowing down to consider what is really going on inside them and around them. In other words, discernment is needed. In my study of Biblical Wisdom Literature, I believe there is a progression to how we move forward in Godly wisdom to live with spiritual discernment. Consider …
First, Knowledge - “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” (Proverbs 1:7) Knowledge and the ability to understand spiritual truths begin with coming under the rule and reign of the Lord. Using salvific language, spiritual understanding comes from the Spirit taking up residence in you and giving you eyes to see, ears to hear, and a mind to comprehend. Paul says it this way, “The god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:4) Not until someone trusts Christ in a saving way can there be real Biblical knowledge accompanied by the spiritual ability to understand it rightly.
Second, Insight – “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.” (Proverbs 4:7) As God gives spiritual understanding, and one’s mind comprehends the Scriptures, we are told to get insight. Insight is the spiritual ability to recognize what is going on inside you. This is the wisdom to slow down, reflect and pray, repent and consider – What is controlling my heart right now? What do I really want? How am I seeking to get it? Without the insight to recognize these underlying motivations, we will never act in a way that honors the Lord or chooses wisely.
Third, Wisdom – “I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness. When you walk, your step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble.” (Proverbs 1:11-12) Wisdom has often been described as the ‘art of skillful living’. With a mind that is fixed on the Scriptures, having gained true knowledge, and a heart having gained insight into idols, motivations and desires, you can now choose the way of wisdom – the discernment to do the right thing, the right way, from the right motivation. This is the way! A life lived well to the glory of God.
- We’ll be unpacking these areas individually over the next few weeks to “gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)