In what ways can we practice discernment in daily decision-making? Anchoring in Proverbs 14:15 “The simple man believes every word, but the prudent man considers his steps.” Solomon contrasts two kinds of hearts: one that swallows information uncritically and one that pauses, weighs, and chooses carefully. Discernment is that Spirit-shaped pause. What Discernment Looks Like • Testing before trusting • Comparing every claim with the unchanging standard of Scripture • Refusing to be swept along by emotion, culture, or pressure • Looking past the surface to long-term consequences Practical Steps for Daily Decisions 1. Pause and pray • James 1:5—“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God…” • A brief “Lord, give me insight” resets the heart. 2. Gather accurate information • Proverbs 18:13 warns against answering before hearing the facts. • Verify sources; don’t rely on hearsay or headlines. 3. Filter through God’s Word • Psalm 119:105—“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” • Ask, “Does this align with what God clearly says?” 4. Seek godly counsel • Proverbs 11:14—“Victory is won through many counselors.” • Choose advisers who themselves submit to Scripture. 5. Observe the fruit • Matthew 7:16—“By their fruit you will recognize them.” • What outcomes follow similar choices? What character marks the people involved? 6. Test and hold fast • 1 Thessalonians 5:21—“But test all things. Hold fast to what is good.” • Keep what proves faithful; discard what exposes itself as false. Guardrails from Other Scriptures • Acts 17:11—Bereans examined the Scriptures daily; God calls us to the same scrutiny. • Philippians 1:9-10—Love must “abound… in knowledge and every discernment… to test and approve what is excellent.” • Romans 12:2—Be transformed by mind-renewal so you “prove what is the good and pleasing and perfect will of God.” Closing Encouragement Every time we stop to “consider our steps,” we honor the God who authored both wisdom and His Word. Discernment isn’t a luxury for rare crossroads; it’s the steady habit of allowing Scripture, the Spirit, and sober thinking to guide even the smallest choice. |
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