How can we identify wise and discerning individuals in our community? Hearing Job 34:34 in Everyday Language “Men of understanding will declare to me; and a wise man who hears me will say—” (Job 34:34). Elihu is confident that truly discerning people will recognize sound judgment when they hear it. Scripture presents wisdom as something identifiable—visible in words, choices, and character. Portrait of the Wise and Discerning Drawn from Job 34:34 and echoed throughout the Bible, these traits consistently surface: • A listening heart—quick to hear truth and slow to speak (Proverbs 1:5; James 1:19). • Sound judgment rooted in the fear of the LORD (Psalm 111:10). • Courage to “declare” what is right, even when unpopular (Job 34:34). • Meekness that refuses self-promotion (James 3:13). • A life marked by spiritual fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). • Faithful obedience to revealed Scripture rather than shifting opinion (Luke 11:28). Practical Ways to Spot Them in the Community Look for men and women who: • Consistently measure conversations, plans, and problems against the Word of God. • Are sought out for counsel because their advice aligns with Scripture, not merely emotion. • Demonstrate steady character under pressure—no sharp swing from faith to panic. • Choose righteousness over convenience, even in small matters—returning excess change, refusing gossip. • Build up others, speaking life instead of tearing down (Ephesians 4:29). • Welcome correction and confess sin quickly; humility is wisdom’s constant companion (Proverbs 9:8-9). • Invest in the next generation—teaching, mentoring, modeling godliness (2 Timothy 2:2). Scriptural Cross-References that Sharpen Our Discernment • Proverbs 13:20—“He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” • James 3:17—“But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” • Matthew 7:16—“By their fruit you will recognize them.” These passages confirm that wisdom is not hidden; it produces observable fruit. Cultivating an Eye for Godly Wisdom • Immerse yourself in Scripture daily so that true wisdom becomes familiar. • Spend intentional time with mature believers; proximity sharpens perception. • Compare counsel you receive with the plain teaching of the Bible—never separate the two. • Ask the Holy Spirit to train your senses, “so that by constant practice you can distinguish good from evil” (Hebrews 5:14). • Imitate the models God sets before you—wise living is often caught as much as taught. Wisdom leaves footprints. Follow those tracks, and you will not only recognize discerning individuals—you will, by God’s grace, begin to leave similar prints for others to follow. |
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