Every day we make decisions.
Some are simple. Others have the potential to change the course of our lives.
Should I take the job?
Should I stay in this relationship?
Should I trust this person?
Should I speak—or remain silent?
As Christians, we often ask, "What is God's will?"
Sometimes, to an extent, we already have the answer—we just don't trust it.
The answer is discernment.
Biblical discernment is the ability to recognize truth from error by measuring everything against God's Word.
In order to practice biblical discernment, we are commanded to test the spirits and look at the fruit.
"Beloved, don't believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." — 1 John 4:1 (WEB)
Jesus said:
"Therefore by their fruits you will know them." — Matthew 7:20 (WEB)
If someone's financial life is a mess, should you take financial advice from that person?
If a man has shown me that he is irresponsible, should I choose him as my husband?
That's discernment.
Discernment is not based on feelings alone. Nor is it intuition. And it isn't simply common sense.
Discernment is a gift from the Most High. It's one of the ways He speaks to us and warns us.
The way we can strengthen our discernment is through regular Scripture reading, unguarded prayer, and total obedience.
What the Bible Says About Discernment
Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds us:
"Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don't lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." — Proverbs 3:5–6 (WEB)
Hebrews says:
"But solid food is for those who are full grown, who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil." — Hebrews 5:14 (WEB)
Discernment develops over time. It is cultivated as we consistently seek God's wisdom.
We live in a world where, especially as women, we are encouraged to ignore our discernment.
We're told to give him another chance after five fumbles.
The book of Proverbs says:
"A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge; but the simple pass on, and suffer for it." — Proverbs 22:3 (WEB)
That's discernment.
Signs You're Growing in Discernment
You begin asking different questions.
Instead of asking:
"Can I do this?"
You ask:
"What could the fallout look like?"
Instead of asking:
"Will this make me happy?"
You ask:
"Will the Lord be pleased with me?"
Discernment Requires Humility
A lot of us suffer from pride.
We think we know the answer, and we try to get God to get on our plan.
Bad decision.
Sometimes we pray for direction while ignoring what He has already revealed.
Sometimes He is silent, but when He is, that doesn't mean move forward.
But we do.
If Scripture clearly calls something sinful, we don't need another sign.
God often guides willing hearts through His written Word before providing additional clarity.
How to Grow in Discernment
Be still.
Read Scripture daily.
Listen to praise music.
Pray for wisdom.
"But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him." — James 1:5 (WEB)
Test every teaching against the Bible.
Talk about the Lord with others.
Listen to testimonies.
Get comfortable walking away without knowing the whole story.
Discernment isn't suspicion.
It is divine communication.
Listen to it.
Continue Growing
If you're learning to recognize God's direction and remain anchored in His truth, explore the Biblical Affirmations Collection. These printable Scripture packs are designed to help you meditate on God's Word during specific seasons of life.