Discernment

Discernment in the Bible refers to the ability to perceive, distinguish, and judge matters according to God's truth and wisdom. It is a spiritual gift and a vital aspect of Christian maturity, enabling believers to understand and apply God's will in various situations. The Berean Standard Bible highlights discernment as a crucial element in the life of a believer.

In the Old Testament, discernment is often associated with wisdom and understanding. 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). This request pleased God, who granted Solomon unparalleled wisdom and discernment.

The New Testament further emphasizes discernment as a spiritual gift. In 1 Corinthians 12:10 , the Apostle Paul lists "the ability to distinguish between spirits" as one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This gift enables believers to discern the true nature of spiritual influences, distinguishing between those that are from God and those that are not.

Discernment is also closely linked to spiritual maturity. Hebrews 5:14 states, "But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil." This passage underscores the importance of growing in discernment through the study of Scripture and the practice of godly living.

Judgment

Judgment in the biblical context refers to the process of making decisions or forming opinions based on God's standards of righteousness and truth. It encompasses both human judgment, as exercised by individuals and communities, and divine judgment, as executed by God.

Human judgment is addressed in several passages, where believers are called to exercise righteous judgment. In John 7:24 , Jesus instructs, "Stop judging by outward appearances, and start judging justly." This highlights the need for believers to look beyond superficial factors and to judge according to God's truth.

The Bible also warns against hypocritical judgment. In Matthew 7:1-2 , Jesus cautions, "Do not judge, or you will be judged. For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." This teaching emphasizes the importance of humility and self-reflection when making judgments about others.

Divine judgment is a central theme throughout Scripture, reflecting God's holiness and justice. The Bible portrays God as the ultimate judge who will execute perfect justice. In Romans 14:10-12 , Paul reminds believers that "we will all stand before God’s judgment seat," underscoring the accountability of every individual to God's righteous standards.

The final judgment is depicted in Revelation 20:11-15 , where the dead are judged according to their deeds, and those not found in the Book of Life are cast into the lake of fire. This passage serves as a sobering reminder of the eternal consequences of one's choices and the ultimate authority of God's judgment.

In summary, discernment and judgment are integral aspects of the Christian life, guiding believers in making decisions that align with God's will and preparing them for the ultimate judgment by God. Through the Holy Spirit, believers are equipped to grow in discernment and to exercise righteous judgment in their daily lives.