Discernment in the Bible is the ability to distinguish right from wrong. Another way to think about discernment in the Bible is when we’re able to distinguish good from evil. Because of verses about discernment in the Bible, we know that discernment is a God-given gift to make wise decisions, to test spirits (1 John 4:1), to attain spiritual maturity, and to grow in the ability to understand God’s will. In this blog, we’ll learn about scriptures on discernment, verses about discernment, and how to grow in the gift of discernment. In no time at all, you’ll be able to answer the question, “What is discernment in the Bible?” and grow on your journey of knowing God and helping others to know Him.
What Are the Key Aspects of Discernment in the Bible?
Discernment can be a word that sounds a little mysterious and ominous, but don’t worry: it just means being able to recognize what is good, what is true, what is of God, and what isn’t of God. Discernment in the Bible is just about everywhere. Because discernment is something that every believer needs to grow in, the Bible talks a lot about discernment. Because life is full of so many opinions, voices, ideas, and influencers, without discernment, it’s easy to get swept up in things that look good but aren’t aligned with God’s heart when you look beneath the surface. Let’s walk through what discernment in the Bible looks like together:
Testing the Spirits
1 John 4:1, Christians are told to “test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” This passage is a profound scripture on discernment because it tells us about discerning spirits. Not everything spiritual is good, and not everyone has good spirits within them. Sometimes, false teaching and deceptive theology can influence you if you’re not careful. Discernment in the Bible teaches us to discern between the spirits so that we don’t get caught up in evil by accident.
If something doesn’t match up with the truth of God’s Word or the character of Jesus, you should consider it a red flag. Testing the spirits looks like pausing, praying, and comparing what you’re hearing and experiencing with what the Bible says. Verses about discernment in the Bible affirm the Word of God as the ultimate source and final authority for truth.
New to the Bible? No problem! Learn more about the Bible and how to study the Word of God: How to Study the Bible for Beginners
Distinguishing Between Good and Evil
Another mention about discernment in the Bible comes from Hebrews 5:14. This verse about discernment says that mature believers have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. This scripture on discernment goes beyond just knowing right from wrong; it brings us past the natural and into the supernatural. Because of the Holy Spirit, verses about discernment show us that Christians can recognize the subtle difference between what is truly good and what is truly bad – even if it appears good on the outside. Think of it like learning to tell the difference between a real $100 bill and a counterfeit, or how to tell if an apple is rotten on the inside just by looking at it. Verses about discernment encourage us that Christians can sharpen their ability to spot the difference so they can cling to good things and avoid evil.
For example, meditation where someone recites, “Om,” may sound like a good idea on the outside, but in reality, its roots are from Hinduism and Buddhism, religions that don’t acknowledge Jesus as Lord. However, Christians can meditate on the Word of God and meditate on verses about discernment in the Bible!
Learn more about Christian meditation in our blog: How Do I Meditate as a Christian?
Understanding God’s Will
One of the biggest things when it comes to discernment in the Bible is learning to understand the will of God for our lives. Romans 12:2 is a key verse about discernment in the Bible that encourages Christians not to conform to the patterns of this world, but to receive the renewing of their minds. When we live by Romans 12:2, we’re able to “test and approve what God’s will is!” God’s will isn’t always revealed in a lightning bolt moment where there’s instant clarity. Often, it’s about aligning our hearts and thoughts with His through prayer, Bible verses about discernment, and community. When our minds are renewed in Christ, we grow in discernment to recognize the path God wants us to walk.
Seeking Wisdom
Discernment in the Bible shows us that wisdom and discernment go hand in hand. It’s hard to separate them! The book of Proverbs constantly reminds us to seek wisdom as though it were a priceless treasure. Scriptures on discernment, like in James 1:5, promise us that if we ask God for wisdom, He will generously give it. Wisdom helps us make choices that honor God in everyday situations and in big moments. The best decisions are made with the Holy Spirit guiding us. Seeking God’s wisdom through prayer, the Bible, and godly counsel is a key to growing in discernment.
Spiritual Maturity
Scriptures on discernment are always pointing Christians towards spiritual maturity. Discernment in the Bible isn’t something we master overnight. Discernment grows as we grow in God. Spiritual maturity happens as we walk closely with God, learn from His word, follow the ways of Jesus, and practice obedience to Him – in the little things and the big things. Over time, we grow in maturity. Maturity can look like learning and memorizing more of the Bible and growing in the place of prayer. When we do these things, we not only get closer to God, but we also grow in spiritual gifts like discernment. We start to notice when something feels “off”. Because of our time in God’s presence, we’re able to discern with more sensitivity and accuracy. Just like physical strength, where it takes time to grow your muscles, it takes time to grow in discernment and spiritual maturity. Discernment grows through consistent training as you consistently walk with the Lord.
Spiritual Perception or Spiritual Senses
Discernment in the Bible also talks about training our spiritual sense. Hebrews 5:14 is a verse about discernment that tells us we Christians can have our senses trained to discern. You can think of it like developing your spiritual palate, just like how a chef can tell the difference between quality cheese and cheap cheese; the same goes for us as we grow in discernment. Your spiritual sense grows more and more sensitive as you spend more time with the one who gave you the gift – God! Through prayer, worship, and Bible study, you will discover your spiritual sense as you become more aware of His presence.
Bible Verses About Discernment
Verses about discernment are all throughout the Bible. Through scriptures on discernment, you’ll understand more about the gift of discerning of spirits, how to distinguish good from evil, and what discernment is in the Bible. Here are 10 of our favorite Bible verses on discernment:
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 - Romans 12:2
This Bible verse for discernment reminds us that real transformation starts in our minds. The Word of God is the best way to renew your mind and be transformed by God’s goodness. When we let God renew our minds, we gain supernatural clarity to discern His will. Romans 12:2 is one of the most powerful verses about discernment because it shows how spiritual maturity helps us make wise choices. If you’re looking for a Bible verse on discernment, Romans 12 is a great place to start.
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, - Philippians 1:9-10
In this Bible verse about discernment, Paul’s prayer is that love, wisdom, and insight would overflow in your life. When you grow a deeper love for God, you grow in clarity to understand the heart of God, and ultimately, you grow a better understanding of what’s right, good, and Godly. This scripture about discernment highlights that spiritual growth leads to purity and truth. It’s a scripture on discernment that encourages us to love with wisdom, not just emotion.
Learn more about how to love your neighbor in our blog: Front Yard Missions: How to Change Your Neighborhood
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are of God; for many false prophets have gone out into the world. - 1 John 4:1
Discernment in the Bible highlights that the spiritual realm is far more real than the physical realm. Bad spirits can sometimes motivate people to do bad things. However, the Holy Spirit always motivates us to do good things and to distinguish between good and evil.
Learn more about how the Holy Spirit prompts us to do good works in our blog: How to Live Out Your Faith by Blessing Others
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? - 1 Kings 3:9
Scriptures about discernment are found in the Old Testament and the New Testament.. This verse about discernment comes from 1 Kings. This verse is inviting us to pray that God would give us a discerning heart, so that we can grow in wisdom and discernment. Prayer is usually associated with discernment in the Bible, too.
Learn more about the power of prayer in our FREE e-book: Let’s Talk About Prayer: Simple Steps to Connect with God
I am your servant; give me discernment, that I may understand your statutes. - Psalm 119:125
This Bible verse for discernment is showing us the power of prayer to help us grow in wisdom. In this Psalm, the author is praying that God would give him discernment and understanding. Thankfully, scriptures on discernment remind us of God’s character and His promise to be faithful and answer our prayers.
Hear a story of how God showed a former crime boss the difference between right and wrong: It’s Never Too Late: A Real Story of God’s Redemption
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 - 1 Corinthians 2:14
This verse about discernment shows us again that the gift of discerning of spirits is a supernatural gift from God. When we have the Holy Spirit, we accept the things of God and are moved towards good. When we don’t have the Holy Spirit, we consider the good things that God offers as foolishness, because we can’t discern or understand them.
As you’re growing in discernment, you’ll find yourself in some cool (and interesting!) situations. Learn more in our blog: How to Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
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 - Hebrews 4:12
Scriptures about discernment always point us back to the Bible, the word of God. The word of God is a great way to be able to practice discernment. Through Bible verses for discernment, you will grow to understand God’s laws, God’s ways, and God’s heart.
Related post: You Are Valuable to God: Bible Verses About Your Worth
But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil - Hebrews 5:14
This Bible verse for discernment reminds Christians to distinguish good from evil. The Beatitudes are a great place to learn the difference between good and evil. Jesus talks about anger, lust, divorce, and enemies. Read the Sermon on the Mount and the Beatitudes in Matthew 5-7!
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom - James 3:13
Bible verses for discernment invite us to grow in wisdom. The book of James is a great place to learn more about wisdom and how God wants us to treat one another.
Learn more about discernment in the Bible through the practice of loving your enemies: How to Love Someone You Disagree With
The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out - Proverbs 18:15
The book of Proverbs is a great place to learn about discernment in the Bible. It is a book of timeless wisdom, and it is full of verses about discernment. When you acquire knowledge, read your Bible, and seek a life of prayer, you’ll find yourself operating in discernment before you know it.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, discernment in the Bible isn’t something to feel intimidated by—it’s a gift from God that helps Christians walk in truth, recognize what’s good, and stay close to His will. As you spend time in prayer, dive into Bible verses on discernment, and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you, you’ll notice yourself growing in wisdom and spiritual maturity. The more you practice discernment, the easier it becomes to spot what’s of God and what’s not, and that makes all the difference in living out your everyday faith. Keep pressing in, keep asking God for wisdom, and remember—you’re not walking this journey alone.
And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. - Philippians 1:6
