What Does the Bible Say About Discernment?
What Does the Bible Say About Discernment? Discernment is the God-given ability to distinguish truth from error, good from evil, and God's will from human wisdom—it is developed through Scripture and prayer.
Key verse: Hebrews 5:14 (KJV)
Discernment is the God-given ability to distinguish truth from error, good from evil, and God's will from human wisdom—it is developed through Scripture and prayer.
Discernment is the God-given ability to distinguish truth from error, good from evil, and God's will from human wisdom—it is developed through Scripture and prayer.
"But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." — Hebrews 5:14 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
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The Biblical Answer
Biblical discernment involves the ability to evaluate situations, teachings, and spirits accurately. Hebrews 5:14 describes mature believers as those 'who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.' Solomon famously asked God for an 'understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad' (1 Kings 3:9). Paul prayed that believers' love would 'abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment' (Philippians 1:9). First John 4:1 commands believers to 'try the spirits whether they are of God,' since false prophets have gone out into the world. Discernment is cultivated through deep engagement with Scripture, prayer, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Wisdom?
What the Bible teaches about wisdom, discernment, and making wise decisions.
Key Scripture References
"But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."
"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."
"Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad."
Frequently asked questions
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Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Wisdom?
The Bible teaches that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and is available to anyone who asks God for it in faith.
How to Study the Bible?
Bible study is observation, interpretation, and application — asking what the text says, what it means in its context, and how it applies today — done prayerfully and consistently.
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
What Is the Trinity?
The Trinity is the doctrine that God exists as three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — in one divine being.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Hebrews. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Hebrews on day 351 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Discernment?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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