“But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil” (Hebrews 5:14 ESV).
We will complete our study of Hebrews chapter five with a final look at the topic of discernment. In a spiritual sense, discernment refers to the ability to see things as God sees them and not how they seem to appear. 1 Corinthians 12:10 identifies “discerning of spirits” as a spiritual gift, and the Old Testament book of Proverbs adds the following insight regarding this subject…
“…the Lord grants wisdom! His every word is a treasure of knowledge and understanding. He grants good sense to the godly-his saints. He is their shield, protecting them and guarding their pathway. He shows how to distinguish right from wrong, how to find the right decision every time” (Proverbs 2:6-9 TLB).
A person who seeks better discernment will find that the single most reliable, accurate, and trustworthy means of developing that quality involves reading the Scriptures each day. While it may be helpful to read books that explore various Biblical topics, it’s important to note that the Bible was written by those who were inspired by the Spirit of God to communicate the Word of God.
For instance, the New Testament book of 2 Timothy tells us, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). This means that we have an opportunity to hear directly from God whenever we prayerfully read the Biblical Scriptures.
We also have the following encouragement from the New Testament book of James: “…if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” Therefore, we would do well to avail ourselves of the opportunity to access God’s wisdom through the pages of His Word each day.
Finally, we should consider that our need for God-given discernment is essential in many respects. For instance, one element of good character involves the ability to discern the potential consequences of our actions. Unfortunately, there are countless individuals who have been hurt by those who failed to discern the potential effects of their decisions upon others. Therefore, those who regularly read and apply God’s Word are well-positioned to have “…their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.”