Discernment is a gift from God that helps us recognize truth from lies. The Bible speaks about the importance of discerning spirits to avoid being misled. Today, we’ll explore how Scripture equips us with wisdom to test what we hear and see.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Disbelief
What Does The Bible Say About Discerning Of Spirits
1 John 4:1
“Dear friends, 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 verse emphasizes the importance of discernment in identifying whether a spirit is from God or not. It encourages believers to be cautious and not blindly accept every spirit, as there are false prophets who seek to deceive.
As Christians, we are called to test and evaluate the spirits or teachings we come across, comparing them to the truth of God’s Word. Discerning spirits allows us to align ourselves with what is of God and avoid being led astray.
Matthew 7:15
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”
This verse serves as a warning to be vigilant against false prophets who may appear harmless on the outside but have ulterior motives. It reminds us that appearances can be deceiving and highlights the need for discernment.
By discerning the spirits, we can recognize the true nature and intentions of those who claim to speak for God. It helps us protect ourselves and others from deceit and ensures that we remain firmly grounded in the truth of God’s Word.
1 Corinthians 2:14
“The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.”
This verse emphasizes that spiritual discernment is a gift from God and cannot be fully comprehended without the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It highlights the need for a deep relationship with God to discern His will and understand spiritual matters.
Without the Spirit’s intervention, the truths and wisdom of God may seem foolish and incomprehensible to those who do not have His guidance. Developing a sensitivity to the leading of the Spirit enables us to discern the true nature of things and receive spiritual insights.
Hebrews 4:12
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
This verse highlights the power and effectiveness of God’s Word in discerning the thoughts and intents of the heart. It emphasizes that the Word of God is a powerful tool for discernment, capable of revealing the truth and exposing hidden motives.
By immersing ourselves in the Scriptures and allowing them to penetrate deeply into our hearts, we can discern between what is of God and what is not. The Word of God serves as a standard against which we can measure and evaluate the spirits, thoughts, and intentions that we encounter.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
This verse presents the principle of relying on God’s wisdom and guidance rather than our own limited understanding. It highlights the importance of submitting our ways to Him and trusting Him wholeheartedly for discernment.
When we acknowledge our dependence on God and surrender our own biases and preconceived notions, we create a space for His discernment and wisdom to guide us. By doing so, we can trust that God will lead us on the right path, making our way straight.
Philippians 1:9-10
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.”
These verses reveal that discernment is closely tied to a deepening love and knowledge of God. As our love for Him grows, along with our understanding of His character and truth, we become better equipped to discern what is truly beneficial and aligns with His will.
Discernment rooted in love and knowledge enables us to make choices that are pure, blameless, and aligned with God’s standards. It helps us navigate the complexities of life and serves as an important aspect of our spiritual growth and transformation.
1 Corinthians 12:10
“To another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.”
This verse acknowledges that discerning of spirits is a spiritual gift bestowed upon some believers. It highlights that the ability to discern spirits is not universal but given to specific individuals as part of the diverse gifting within the body of Christ.
Those with the gift of discernment are uniquely attuned to recognizing the presence and nature of various spirits, aiding the church in identifying false teachings, promoting spiritual growth, and protecting the integrity of the faith community.
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
This verse encourages us to seek wisdom from God, who is the ultimate source of discernment. It assures us that God is willing to grant wisdom generously to those who ask, without judgment or criticism.
When faced with decisions or situations that require discernment, we can approach God in prayer, confident that He will grant us the wisdom we need. Seeking His guidance allows us to navigate life’s challenges with discernment and make choices that honor Him.
Acts 17:11
“Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”
This verse highlights the noble character of the Berean Jews, who approached the teachings of Paul with discernment and open-mindedness. They did not blindly accept his words but actively examined the Scriptures to verify the truth.
Like the Bereans, we should approach teachings and messages with discernment, comparing them to the truths presented in God’s Word. Through diligent study and examination, we can discern whether a teaching aligns with the truth and be equipped to identify false teachings.
John 7:24
“Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.”
This verse admonishes against superficial judgment based solely on outward appearances. It encourages discernment that goes beyond the surface, delving into the heart and motives behind actions and words.
As followers of Christ, we are called to judge correctly, discerning truth from falsehood and making wise evaluations based on godly principles. Developing discernment that looks beyond appearances equips us to make sound judgments and navigate relationships and situations with insight.
1 Thessalonians 5:21-22
“But test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.”
This verse instructs believers to examine and test everything, holding on to what is good and rejecting all forms of evil. It emphasizes the need for discernment in distinguishing between what is godly and what is contrary to God’s standards.
Discernment enables us to evaluate all aspects of life, including teachings, influences, and choices, according to biblical truths. It empowers us to embrace that which is good and reject that which contradicts God’s Word, ensuring our spiritual well-being and growth.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
This verse encourages believers to guard against the conformity of worldly thinking and instead allow their minds to be renewed by God’s truth. Through this transformation, we gain the ability to discern and recognize God’s will.
By immersing ourselves in the Scriptures, prayer, and the leading of the Holy Spirit, we allow God to renew our minds and align our thoughts with His. This renewing process grants us discernment to test and approve God’s will, enabling us to make choices that bring glory to Him.
Proverbs 15:14
“The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.”
This verse highlights the importance of a discerning heart that actively seeks knowledge. It contrasts with the folly of a foolish person who indulges in empty and unproductive speech.
A discerning heart desires to grow in wisdom and understanding, recognizing the value of seeking knowledge and insights from God. By seeking His wisdom and discernment, we are able to navigate the complexities of life and avoid the pitfalls of foolishness.
Proverbs 28:7
“A discerning son heeds instruction, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.”
This verse draws a contrast between a discerning son who listens to instruction and a companion of gluttonous people who brings shame to his father. It emphasizes the importance of discernment in choosing our associations wisely.
A discerning person recognizes the value of godly instruction and aligns themselves with those who uphold godly principles. By doing so, they honor their parents and demonstrate wisdom in their choice of companions.
1 Kings 3:9
“So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
This verse records the prayer of Solomon, who asked for a discerning heart to govern God’s people. It illustrates the significance of discernment in leadership and decision-making.
Leaders with discernment possess the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, making wise judgments that impact others positively. Their discerning hearts enable them to lead with integrity and godly wisdom, ensuring the well-being and prosperity of those under their care.
Matthew 10:16
“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”
These words of Jesus encourage His disciples to exercise discernment as they face a world that may be hostile toward them. He instructs them to be wise like serpents, understanding the cunning of the enemy, while maintaining innocence and purity.
As believers, we are called to cultivate discernment in navigating the challenges and oppositions of the world. We need to be aware of the schemes of the enemy, discerning his tactics, while remaining steadfast in our commitment to Christ and His truth.
Hebrews 5:14
“But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”
This verse highlights that discernment is a mark of spiritual maturity. It suggests that through continual practice and application of God’s Word, believers can develop the ability to distinguish between good and evil.
As we grow in our relationship with Christ and engage in the study and meditation of His Word, our discernment becomes sharpened. We begin to see clearly what aligns with God’s nature and will, enabling us to make choices that honor Him and lead to spiritual growth.
Psalm 119:125
“I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes.”
This verse reflects the psalmist’s desire for discernment in order to understand and obey God’s statutes. It recognizes that true discernment comes from God and is instrumental in comprehending and applying His Word.
Like the psalmist, we can humbly seek God’s discernment as we delve into His Word. By doing so, we position ourselves to receive insights and understanding that lead to a deeper knowledge of His truth and a greater ability to live in accordance with His commands.
Luke 12:57
“Why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right?”
This verse challenges the crowds to exercise discernment and judge what is right. It suggests that individuals have the ability and responsibility to evaluate and discern the truth.
As followers of Christ, we are called to engage in discernment, not simply accepting what is presented to us but actively seeking the truth and making wise judgments. This requires a personal commitment to the pursuit of truth and a willingness to evaluate and discern based on God’s standards.
Romans 14:1
“Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.”
This verse encourages believers to exercise discernment when confronted with differing perspectives or weaker faith in others. It urges them to avoid unnecessary quarrels over minor or secondary issues.
Discernment allows us to recognize the core essentials of the faith while being gracious and understanding toward differences in non-essential matters. By discerning which issues are truly important and which are disputable, we can maintain unity and peace within the body of Christ.
Colossians 2:8
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”
This verse warns against the dangers of being led astray by worldly philosophies and traditions that contradict Christ’s teachings. It emphasizes the need for discernment in differentiating between true wisdom rooted in Christ and misleading ideologies.
Discernment enables us to filter out deceptive philosophies and teachings that may lead us away from the truth. By aligning our thoughts and beliefs with the teachings of Christ, we guard ourselves against being taken captive by false ideologies.