One of the greatest benefits of discernment is the capability to recognize the truth. Why? Because seeing below the surface helps me tell the difference between the real and unreal. Actually, discernment helps me recognize the truth.
The Precept Explained:
The precepts speak the truth, not that which is unrighteous. In fact, that truth is clear to those who are discerning. Proverbs 8.6-9 paraphrase
The Precept Applied:
Proverbs Chapter 8 is a conversation. In fact, the speaker is wisdom. Thus, the premise here may be a bit abstract.
What’s wisdom? Wisdom is those universal precepts that are visible to anyone. However, we must be willing to observe and to learn from life experiences.
Essentially, wisdom is what I know combined with what I can do with what I know.
For example, one of the most obvious precepts is sow-reap. Thus, in Proverbs 8.5, if I sow wisdom I reap discernment, or understanding.
Moreover, also in Proverbs 8.5, sowing wisdom helps me get rid of shallow-mindedness and hardheadedness. What a bargain! This assumes you don’t like being hardheaded!
The Value of the Precepts
If I’m intentional about absorbing the precepts, I become more discerning. But, what’s the ultimate value of discernment?
Well, the conversation continues in Proverbs 8.6-9. In fact, wisdom says she is speaking the truth (Proverbs 8.7).
She goes on to say the truth is clear to anyone who is discerning (Proverbs 8.9).
Wherefore, discernment helps me recognize the truth.
Additionally, a leader who is guided by truth will see blessing on his or her professional life.
The Value of Discernment
What else? What other benefits come from being discerning, thus having understanding? In other words, what good is it if I become discerning?
Let’s answer that question. To do so, the following observations are all from the Proverbs.
In each case, the verse uses the Hebrew word bin. That Hebrew word is commonly translated by English words like perceive, understand, understanding, and discern.
The word is used widely in scripture. However, we’re simply focusing on its usage in Proverbs.
In short, discerners are: good listeners, active learners, willing to accept suggestions, self-aware and self-controlled, and extremely insightful about others.
Therefore, not only does discernment helps me recognize the truth, but it brings with it a number of other practical benefits.
Discernment in Proverbs
1). A discerning person is willing to listen to good advice. See Proverbs 1.5.
2). Discernment brings me to God. See Proverbs 2.5 and 2.9. What’s more, seeking God makes me more discerning. See Proverbs 28.5. Conversely, I don’t always self-discern the aspects of my life that God controls. See Proverbs 20.24.
3). As mentioned earlier, discernment helps me avoid shallowness and stubbornness. See Proverbs 8.5.
4). A discerning person shares wisdom with others. See Proverbs 10.13. Also, see Proverbs 14.33 and Proverbs 17.24. In fact, a discerning person understands the Proverbs! See Proverbs 1.6.
5). Critical thinkers are self-discerning, thus self-aware. See Proverbs 14.8.
6). Discerners are learners. See Proverbs 15.14.
7). Discernment helps me control what I say. See Proverbs 17.28.
8). Discerners learn from their mistakes. Therefore, they are willing to accept correction because that makes them even more discerning! See Proverbs 19.25. However, the stubborn don’t even respond to the discernment they already have! See Proverbs 29.19.
9). The discerning have a positive impact on where they work, live, and serve. See Proverbs 28.2.
10). A discerning person sees through the shallowness of the conceited. See Proverbs 28.11.
That’s quite a list of benefits for being discerning!
Leadership Insights
Proverbs 1.7
Discernment is important for leaders. But especially important, I think, during times of stress for the organization.
In those cases, the discerning leader will be particularly sensitive to the concerns around him or her. In addition, that leader will acknowledge those concerns in public and private conversations.
For example, organization-wide communications from the top are critical when there are external pressures. The leader must be sensitive in addressing concerns. But, the leader must also provide a way forward.
Getting It All Wrong
I’m sure you can think of examples from the business press of leaders who have lacked discernment in their public statements in the face of a stressful situation.
As expected, this bad behavior applies equally to politicians and to business executives.
Basically, the leader went off script and damaged their personal reputation. What’s worse, they damaged the goodwill of the organization.
Thus, when a leader gets it all wrong lots of bad things happen.
For instance, the leader is accused of being insensitive, or combative, or only interested in profits. Ultimately, they may be removed – you know, fired, or voted out of office!
Don’t misunderstand me. I’m not equating discernment only with effective use of corporate crisis communications protocols.
What I’m saying is that a leader can and should exhibit a discerning character. The leader does that in good times and bad. As a result, the leader builds personal goodwill and corporate reputation, rather than damaging it.
Getting It Right!
Regardless of the state of your faith walk, certainly you can see the value of the list of characteristics associated with discernment as presented in Proverbs.
Moreover, I hope you agree that your leadership can be enhanced by qualities such as self-awareness, self-control, a growth mindset, seeking wise counsel, and being less hardheaded.
Additionally, the model in Proverbs says that intentional growth, fueled by absorbing the precepts, builds out a number of positive traits. Discernment is one of those traits!
Plug This In Today!
Leaders who fail to recognize the truth don’t know the difference between right and wrong. Consequently, they get it all wrong when it’s time to be discerning.
Fortunately, discernment helps me recognize the truth.
My growth as a leader will be hindered unless I do the hard work of building out a discerning character.
Fortunately, a precept-driven life helps me build discernment.
I’ve found discernment to be important during one-on-one conversations. For example, as a leader I must recognize motives as well as discern the concerns of others if I am to respond appropriately.
Fortunately, like Solomon, we can ask God to give us discernment so we can form sound decisions!
The Source of This Precept
Proverbs 8.6-9
8.6-9 Listen, for I speak of noble things, and what my lips say is right. For my mouth tells the truth, and wickedness is detestable to my lips. All the words from my mouth are righteous; none of them are deceptive or perverse. All of them are clear to the perceptive, and right to those who discover knowledge. Christian Standard Bible
8.6-9 Listen, for I will speak noble things; and the opening of my lips will reveal right things. For my mouth will utter truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the utterances of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing crooked or perverted in them. They are all straightforward to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge. New American Standard Bible
8.6-9 Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things. For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them. They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge. King James Version
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