Discernment is a term used to describe the activity of determining the value of a certain subject or event. Typically, it is used to describe the activity of going past the mere perception of something, to making detailed judgments about that thing. As avirtue, a discerning individual is considered to possess wisdom, and be of good judgement; especially so with regard to subject matter often overlooked by others.
Be prayerful of EVERYTHING no matter how right your own heart and motives may be.
When making a decision, go before your spiritual covering and lean on their wisdom and discernment. We were not meant to walk through life alone so why make decisions that, whether they seem to or not, can at least deeply impact if not alter your life?
Do not be led by emotions as emotions can be driven by evil spirits even if from a pure heart thus to be used against us.
Decisions led by God bring about peace and joy. If there is even the slightest bit of uncertainty, WAIT, PRAY and do not move until you have been given peace and joy or God has led you otherwise...to another place of peace and joy.
Discernment is needed in order to differentiate between human spirit, evil spirit and the Holy Spirit. Our flesh can "feel" one way but just because you "feel" does not mean that they Holy Spirit is in it and visa versa; you may not "feel" anything but that doesn't mean that it ISN'T the Holy Spirit. We can not be led by feelings just as we can not be led by our emotions because our feelings and sensations too can be used for the purpose of evil.
Wisdom is a deep understanding and realizing of people, things, events or situations, resulting in the ability to choose or act or inspire to consistently produce the optimum results with a minimum of time, energyor thought. It is the ability to optimally (effectively and efficiently) apply perceptions and knowledge and so produce the desired results. Wisdom is also the comprehension of what is true or right coupled with optimum judgment as to action. Synonyms include: sagacity, discernment, or insight. Wisdom often requires control of one's emotional reactions (the "passions") so that one's principles, reason and knowledge prevail to determine one's actions.
While wisdom may be synonyms with discernment, I think wisdom not only comes from God but experiences and time. I think of discernment more in terms of a gut feeling whereas wisdom is a sort of holy knowledge; knowledge that comes from a heart,mind and soul that has learned from life, from God, through the hard times, through the blessed times; a well rounded sort. Someone who makes the best choices possible with ALL that is available to them through knowledge AND discernment.
Wisdom is mentioned 222 in the Bible. Two means difference-another. Wisdom and discernment go together. We need discernment to walk in wisdom and wisdom would have us to seek out discernment.
We are told not to cast our pearls before swine. According to Confucius, a wise man never tells his wisdom unless asked person to person. And from a wise pastor from my "past life" only give your wisdom to someone who is willing to do as suggested. Otherwise, what help can you offer them? For me, I can't take in every "stray" and fix the problems of those my path crosses with. I have to learn this part. Sometimes the best help is to not help and to keep one's mouth closed. Only when it is truly desired (and even truly should be proven) should it then be given.
Wisdom is learned in three ways (Confucius): reflection (as a Christian, I believe through time spent with our Heavenly Father), imitation and experience. Reflection is seen as the noblest of ways while experience is called the bitter way. I've definitely earned what wisdom I have through experience and it certainly has proven to be bitter. As my little ones insist on learning from my good ol' alma mater School of Hard Knocks, I try and encourage them to learn through the more noble way so that they may gain their wisdom through more of God and less of pain.
My prayer is to have a discerning spirit so that I may be better able to walk in wisdom.
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