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Bible Question: How
does a Christian acquire discernment, besides asking God for it?
Bible Answer: Discernment
is the ability to perceive and see, or to find out something. Often
we have the idea that it is a sixth sense that helps us discover some
truth or fact that is not immediately obvious.
What Is The Benefit? The greatest
Old Testament example of a person wanting discernment was King Solomon.
He asked God for understanding in order to discern between good and
evil.
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So give Thy servant an understanding heart to judge Thy people
to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this
great people of Thine? (NASB) 1 Kings 3:9 |
God answered his prayer and blessed him with more - wealth.
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And God said to him, “Because you have asked this thing
and have not asked for yourself long life, nor have asked riches
for yourself, nor have you asked for the life of your enemies,
but have asked for yourself discernment to understand justice,
behold, I have done according to your words. Behold, I have
given you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has been
no one like you before you, nor shall one like you arise after
you. (NASB) 1 Kings 3:11-12 |
Discernment is a gift that God gives.
What Else? But you have asked
a different question. You have asked what else do you have to do.
Scripture does give us some help. it tells us to avoid those who are
fools. We
are greatly influenced by those around us. Wisdom, understanding,
and discernment do not come by spending time with those who are not
wise themselves. There is a divine principle to be followed. Spend
time with someone who has the qualities you desire.
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He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of
fools will suffer harm. (NASB) Proverbs 13:20
Leave the presence of a fool, or you will not discern words
of knowledge. (NASB) Proverbs 14:7
Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals."
(NASB) 1 Cor.15:33 |
Conclusion:
Wisdom,
understanding, and discernment come from God. This fact is found
in the Bible. The book of Proverbs is filled with all of the
above. How do we know whom to avoid? How do we know who the
fools in our life are? Some are obvious and others are not.
Ultimately, none of us are really wise. None of us really have
understanding. None of us have great discernment. But God does!
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For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and
understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright . .
. Then you will discern righteousness and justice and equity
and every good course. (NASB) Prov. 2:6-9 |
But if you really want wisdom, here is the best way. Ask God for it
and spend as much time as you can in the book He has written - the
Bible!
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Teach
me good discernment and knowledge, for I believe in Thy commandments.
(NASB) Psalms 199:66 |
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