One of the benefits of spiritual desire is growth in discernment, as taught in Proverbs 28.5. Conversely, a lack of righteousness impedes my good judgment. Thus, spiritual desire brings discernment.


Those with a poor character lack the discernment needed for good judgment. In contrast, a deep spiritual desire allows me to discern everything. Proverbs 28.5 paraphrase


The Value of Discernment

Discernment allows me to grasp the obscure. Additionally, it suggests that I have perception, insight, or that I’m perceptive in interpersonal situations. Often, it’s associated with judgment.

Proverbs for Professionals title slide in the post Spiritual Desire Brings Discernment.

John Maxwell teaches that we are discerning, or intuitive, in the area of our strength, thus where we are most gifted.

Covey says that discernment allow us to focus on what matters most. Thus, discernment is a priority filter.

Michael Hyatt says: “Leaders need wisdom and discernment for the present. They need to be able to look at complex situations, gain clarity, and determine a course of action.” Hence, discernment, by this definition, is action oriented.

Pulling these definitions together, we see the value of discernment. It produces clear thinking in the face of complexity, the ability to set priorities, and a bent toward taking action. What else?

Discern What’s Right

A discerning person can tell the difference between right and wrong. Now, there’s an essential skill for a leader!

Thus, what Solomon asked for, at the beginning of his term as king, shouldn’t be a surprise.

He was handed a blank check by God in 1 Kings 3.5 “Ask whatever you want.” Solomon’s response, in 1 Kings 3.9, was to be able to “discern between good and bad …”

Spiritual Desire – Solomon

Moreover, the basis of Solomon’s success as a leader was his spirituality.

In 1 Kings 3.3 we read “Solomon loved the Lord and was obedient …” Thus, at his core, he had spiritual desire.

Conversely, Solomon’s success wasn’t based on force of character, or wealth (that came later), or great intelligence, or military prowess, or alliances (although he made them).

Therefore, I conclude that:

The essence of effective leadership is discernment. Why? Because those who are discerning know the difference between right and wrong. It follows that the more discerning I am as a leader, the more effective I will be as a leader!

Guess what? There’s an assumption here. Knowing the difference between right and wrong assumes that I chose to do what’s right!

A spiritual character drives me both to discern and to do right. Thus, spiritual desire brings discernment.

Proverbs for Professionals verse quote from Proverbs 8,5 as used in the post: Spiritual Desire Brings Discernment

Lacking Discernment

The first half of Proverbs 28.5, paraphrased at the beginning of this post, links three concepts together.

First, poor character. Second, a lack of discernment. Third, poor judgment.

When I allow my character to erode I don’t build up discernment. As a result, my judgment is poor.

What a destructive spiral!

Thus, poor decisions are often rooted in a poor character.

Spiritual Desire – in Me!

The second half of Proverbs 28.5 links discernment with spiritual desire. When I “seek the Lord” I receive discernment.

These two concepts, seeking the Lord and discernment, appear together several other times in Proverbs, besides here in 28.5.

For example, in Proverbs 2.4-5 we read that when I value, thus seek, growth in wisdom I will discern reverence. Thus:

Wisdom and discernment lead me toward, not away from, the Lord.

Next, in both Proverbs 14.6 and 15.14, we read that a discerning person seeks knowledge. Thus:

As a learner I become a discerner.

A third example is found in Proverbs 18.15. There we read that the discerning seek knowledge as a matter of the heart or character. Conversely, it’s not about who I am in my head! Thus,

Discernment is about who I am at my core.

Proverbs for Professionals verse paraphrase for Proverbs 18.15 in the post Spiritual Desire Brings Discernment

Leadership Insight

Like Solomon, exceptional leaders know where there are gaps in their skill set. They seek to grow personally and professionally in order to fill those gaps.

That growth mindset drives the leader to new knowledge. Thus, personal growth is a critical aspect of a discerning character. Why? Because I recognize just how critical growth is to my impact and influence as a leader.

More fundamentally, a leader must know what’s right. Then, the leader must have the moral courage to do right. Doing right produces leadership influence.

The Decision Model

In First Kings 3.9 Solomon identifies a three-step decision model that is frequently repeated.

First, he asked for the ability to listen with his heart. In other words, to listen deeply and carefully. Thus, to listen with compassion. To sense emotion and intention.

Second, he asked for discernment to know good from bad. Solomon recognized the importance of seeing below the surface in order to get to root cause. Therefore, the true value of discernment isn’t recognizing black vs white.

Actually, discernment is the ability to deal with complex situations where there is no clear path forward.

Third, he asked for the ability to “judge” – to form sound decisions – and to act based on careful listening and clear discernment.

Thus, leaders find a way forward. Conversely, they’re not paralyzed by inaction!

LISTEN – DISCERN – ACT

This three-step decision model is easy to remember and dynamic in practice.

The decision model steers me away from predispositions, if I am really listening. It’s “listening to understand” at it’s core!

It allows me to express empathy while not losing sight of that which is rational and equitable.

The decision model pushes the leader to be predisposed for action, thus for decisiveness.

Personal Insight

Several years ago I was reviewing candidates for a position. As part of that review, in my listening sessions, I gathered feedback from my direct reports regarding their impressions of each candidate.

During those conversations, one of my direct reports expressed concern about how one candidate had responded to staff during the interview session. I discerned in this direct report a concern about how this hire might play out once on the job.

Because I hadn’t been in that meeting between the candidate and staff members I didn’t observe the behavior. However, the concerns expressed by that staff member, whose opinion I value, were enough to cause me to move on to another candidate.

Apply This Today!

Before I can exhibit good judgment I must have a discerning character.

I start down the path of building a discerning character by seeking the Lord. Thus, spiritual desire brings discernment.

For a person of faith, the most obvious way to get a discerning character is to ask for it!

Unfortunately, once I ask God for discernment, getting discernment requires that I be placed in situations where discernment is necessary!

Therefore, spiritual desire brings discernment.


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