What is Discernment for the Christian?

What does it really mean for a Christian to have discernment? The Bible verses below give some examples along with direction.


Exodus 9: 27-30

And Pharaoh sent and called for Moses and Aaron, and said to them, "I have sinned this time. The Lord is righteous, and my people and I are wicked. Entreat the Lord, that there may be no more mighty thundering and hail, for it is enough. I will let you go, and you shall stay no longer."

So Moses said to him, "As soon as I have gone out of the city, I will spread out my hands to the Lord; the thunder will cease, and there will be no more hail; that you may know that the earth is the Lord's. But as for you and your servants, I know that you will not yet fear the Lord God."

Moses knew that Pharaoh's real motive was just to get him to stop the particular plague that had fallen on Egypt. He did not really want change in his heart, and Moses told him so face to face. Discernment is being able to see what is in a person's heart instead of just taking what they say at face value. It can also mean understanding the motive behind an action.


Deuteronomy 32: 28-29

For they are a nation void of counsel, nor is there any understanding in them. Oh, that they were wise, that they understood this.

The Israelites were a nation that couldn't seem to comprehend all the wonderful things that God had in store for them. God wanted them to be wise and see through the present to what the future held. At the time of this writing, God had already told them all the wonderful blessings He would bestow upon them if they would always keep Him first in their lives. They just couldn't seem to believe Him and take what He said for truth and act upon it.


Proverbs 2: 1-6

My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to undersanding; Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding, If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, And find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

These verses give a complete picture of everything you need to do to have discernment. God wants you to seek it with all your heart. He wants you to seek His Heart and learn His Ways. You will never be disappointed if you choose to do this.