Discernment in the Bible refers to the ability to judge well, particularly in spiritual matters. It is a gift from God that enables believers to distinguish between truth and error, right and wrong, and to understand God's will. The Hebrew word for discernment, "bin," and the Greek word "diakrisis" both convey the idea of separating, distinguishing, or judging.

In the Old Testament, discernment is often associated with wisdom. King Solomon is a prime example, as he famously asked God for a discerning heart to govern the people and to distinguish between right and wrong (1 Kings 3:9). God granted his request, making Solomon renowned for his wisdom and discernment.

The New Testament emphasizes discernment as a crucial aspect of spiritual maturity. The Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 1:9-10 , "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and be pure and blameless for the day of Christ." Here, discernment is linked with love and knowledge, suggesting that it is not merely an intellectual exercise but also a moral and spiritual one.

Discernment is also vital in recognizing false teachings and spirits. In 1 John 4:1 , believers are instructed, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." This testing requires discernment, which is sharpened through the study of Scripture and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

Integrity

Integrity in the Bible is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. It is a steadfast adherence to ethical and moral codes, often associated with righteousness and uprightness. The Hebrew word "tom" and the Greek word "aletheia" are often translated as integrity, conveying completeness, truth, and sincerity.

The Bible presents integrity as a fundamental characteristic of a godly life. In the Old Testament, Job is a quintessential example of integrity. Despite severe trials, Job maintained his integrity, refusing to curse God or abandon his faith. Job 2:3 states, "Then the LORD said to Satan, 'Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one on earth like him, a man who is blameless and upright, who fears God and shuns evil. And he still retains his integrity, even though you incited Me against him to ruin him without cause.'"

Proverbs frequently extols the virtues of integrity, linking it with security and guidance. Proverbs 11:3 declares, "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the faithless destroys them." This verse highlights the protective and guiding nature of integrity, suggesting that those who live with integrity are led by their moral compass.

In the New Testament, integrity is embodied in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. He is described as "the way and the truth and the life" (John 14:6), exemplifying perfect integrity. Believers are called to emulate Christ's example, living lives of honesty and moral uprightness. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often urges Christians to live with integrity, as seen in 2 Corinthians 8:21 : "For we are taking great care to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men."

Integrity is not only a personal virtue but also a witness to others. A life of integrity reflects the character of God and serves as a testimony to His transformative power in the believer's life.