Understanding Discernment

(Proverbs 10:13 KJV)  In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.

Discernment is one of the gifts of the Spirit.  In our current touchy/feely culture it is one that the church has come to discount because we are more concerned with fitting in than we are with being salt.  I think the KJV translation of “that hath understanding” (995) is a good insight into the meaning of the word and the place of the gift.

Discernment means that you see past the fluff and wrestle with the substance.  It means when you drive by a school that has a sign up about free lunches you know, without any research or need for deep thinking, that nothing is free.  When you hear politicians talking about free health care you realize that the only way to have free health care is to have doctors that are willing to work for nothing, pharmacies that don’t pay their workers and utility companies that somehow produce electricity out of happy thoughts. 

Discernment means when you see sin you recognize it as sin and when you hear foolishness you only feel the pain of the moment.

So?  Rise above the masses and follow Jesus.  Seek wisdom which involves understanding of why things don’t seem to be going well.  It is painful but necessary.