Discernment

"He who knows not, and knows not that he knows not 

is a fool: shun him.

He who knows not, and knows that he knows not, 

is a child: teach him.

He who knows, and knows not that he knows, 

is asleep: wake him.

He who knows, and knows that he knows, 

is wise: follow him." 

Persian Proverb

Discernment is the skill and accuracy in reading character. |The ability to detect and identify the real truth, to see beneath the surface and correctly 'size up'the situation. To read between the lines of the visible. 

Ephesians 6 - ESV

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 

12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Ephesians 6 advises us to cinch up the belt of truth tightly around ourselves. 

"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world." 1 John 4:1 ESV

This timely verse says in other words: stop believing everything you hear! 

Quit being so easily convinced. Be SELECTIVE - THINK - DISCERN!

"A Christian without discernment 

is like a submarine in a harbor 

plowing full speed ahead 

without radar or periscope."

We need God's discernment more than ever. Especially in this day and age of multi-media, TV news and social media posts from people who think they know it all, and know not that they know nothing! 

Excerpt from "Come before Winter and Share my Hope" by Charles Swindoll.