Possessing Discernment and Wisdom

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,

    but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

PROVERBS 1:7

When God asked King Solomon what he wanted in his dream, King Solomon did not ask for health and long life, or wealth, or even vengeance against his enemies. He asked for discernment and wisdom so that he’ll be able to administer justice fairly and equally (1 Kings 3:11-12). Seeing the humility and honesty that Solomon exercised, God granted his request by giving him discernment and wisdom to administer justice. In addition, God also gave Solomon long life, wealth, and honor that cannot be equaled by any kings during his lifetime.

We live in a world where men have been pursuing knowledge in different areas of science and philosophy. Countless people work hard and tirelessly in pursuit of truth to better understand the world around us. Academic institutions are filled with intellects who spend most of their life acquiring more information and knowledge in order to attain the desired knowledge to influence and shape our world view, ideology, and beliefs. However, with the acquired knowledge of these intellects, we ask the question; “Do they have the ability to impart true discernment and true wisdom to help people choose between what is right and what is wrong?” Certainly, there are those who greatly possessed the ability to help people to decide what is the best decision, however, the question remains the same, “Do they have true discernment or true wisdom that comes from God in order to help people make wise and moral decisions?” It is fair to say that the knowledge they have is simply based on human wisdom for the most part which often falls short in making judgment especially when it comes to moral issues.

In order to call for right judgement and to make right and moral decisions, one must learn to approach God and ask for his guidance and direction. I laid out important principles to help us acquire the discernment and wisdom we all need in life in choosing what is right and moral that will shape our thinking living in godliness and righteousness.

1. Spend time with God in prayer and meditation.

“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” - Jeremiah 33:3

2. Saturate our mind with the Word of God.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” - Colossians 3:16

3. Separate ourselves from worldly influence.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” - Romans 12:2

4. Sacrifice worldly passions.

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” - 1 John 2:15-17

5. Seek daily the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” - John 14:26

Devotion by: Pastor D. H. Geronimo

Date added: 05/23/2025

NOTE: All Scripture used are NIV unless otherwise stated.