Discernment is a valuable trait, but how do we become more discerning? Let’s discuss.
Begin with Who
Becoming wise-hearted transforms our character. Thus, before wrestling with things like purpose and goals, we must look at who we are. We must #BeginWithWHO.
We focus on our heart, the seat of our integrity and character. Our character transformation is evidenced by traits such as sensemaking, discernment, experiential insight, and good judgment.
But, transformed for what? To behave wisely that’s what. As such, who we are drives how we think, then positively influences what we do.
Who I am right now becomes who I once was if I’m committed to personal growth. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Discernment Defined
Most specifically, discernment is the ability to distinguish right from wrong. It has two components: intuition and integrity. Intuition sees the unseen and unspoken, whereas integrity distinguishes right from wrong. When we’re discerning we recognize likely motives, see around corners, and are more intuitive. See the diagram immediately below.
The discerning see what’s going on and know it’s implications. We discern the right thing to do, then we choose wisely to do that right thing!
There’s no magical formula for building discernment. Instead, it’s the discipline of listening, observing, reflecting, and making sense of what’s going on. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Getting There
How do we become more discerning? That question implies that discernment can be developed. We’re not stuck with who we are! Here are some suggestions.
1). Be Teachable – learn from life experiences. Joseph made it clear to his brothers that the difficulties he encountered after they sold him into slavery had a bigger purpose. See Genesis 45.5-8 and 50.19-20 for those conversations. He learned from life; as a result he was influential.
We see that Learn-from-Life precept in Proverbs 19.25. The discerning learn from difficulty, becoming more discerning. That practical learning is easy for a discerning person, Proverbs 14.6, but next to impossible for a know-it-all. In short, be a learner not a victim!
2). Be Observant – pay attention to what’s happening around you. In Proverbs 7.7 a discerning person watched someone who was young, inexperienced, and simpleminded make a poor choice. That chapter lists difficult outcomes from that bad decision. In short – learn from the mistakes of others!
3). Seek Wise Counsel – get advice from those who’ve been where you’re going. Proverbs 1.5 says the discerning seek wise advice! Proverbs 13.20 is blunter, saying we become wiser by hanging out with wise people. Conversely, it’s destructive to be influenced by the foolishly overconfident. In short – be selective about your influencers!
4). Seek Divine Guidance – ultimate wise counsel is from the Lord. Proverbs 28.5 says “… they that seek the Lord understand/discern all” but the godless lack the discernment to exercise good judgment. Spending time in scripture, according to Daniel 9.2, builds discernment. In short – look up to grow up!
Some Insights to Apply
Be intentional. Proverbs 2.5 and Proverbs 2.9 teach that discernment is an outcome of deliberate character transformation. In fact, Proverbs 2.1-4 emphasizes purposeful learning that comes from listening, applying, and deeply valuing growth. Daniel 10.12 describes how to discern what’s going to happen, by setting our heart on that outcome. We focus on lots of stuff; be intentional about building discernment. Live with purpose!
Be purpose-driven. Unsurprisingly, Proverbs 14.8 pairs critical thinking and discernment for making life choices. In contrast, the foolishly overconfident are self-deceived about life choices. Likewise, in Proverbs 14.15 critical thinkers discern where they’re going in life. According to Proverbs 20.24, the discerning seek the Lord’s guidance regarding their life path. Our choices should support our purpose for a given season of life. Live on purpose!
#LiveWithPurposeOnPurpose
Up Next: In scripture, the two traits discerning and wise are paired together. Let’s take a look at what this pairing means.
I’m Dale Young. My posts share the balanced life to build wise character and guide wise behavior.
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