DISCERNMENT

A wise way to approach or to navigate our way through life is through the power of discernment. There are many different types of people in this world, and all have their own personalities and distinguishing characteristics. It is an important lesson for one to learn how to deal with the people that they interact with, and the power of discernment is a wonderful tool to have. Let’s read the definition found in Webster’s 1828:

DISCERN,

1. To separate by the eye, or by the understanding. Hence,

2. To distinguish; to see the difference between two or more things; to discriminate;

3. To make the difference.

4. To discover; to see; to distinguish by the eye.

5. To discover by the intellect; to distinguish; hence, to have knowledge of; to judge.

One of the wonderful things about the book of Proverbs, is that it teaches us to use discernment. It separates people according to their character traits. For instance,

I. The SIMPLE MAN. (Proverbs 1:22-33)

This is not a man who is born with physical disabilities, but rather a man who has CHOSEN NOT TO develop his mental potential. He is as Proverbs 7:7 says, "void of understanding."He is easily led and gullible. How do you deal with him? Well, he has to be taught boundaries in order to protect himself. He also has to decide to change his outlook on life. Unfortunately that might not happen until something unforseen happens and he realizes the direction he is headed. Pro.19:25, "Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge."

II. The SLOTHFUL MAN. (Proverbs 13:4 ; 24:30-34)

This guy is just lazy. He is not someone who has earned a rest due to putting in a hard days work. He is someone who is made being lazy (or late) a habit. This is a CHOSEN character flaw. How do you deal with him? Well, he needs some discipline in defining what his priorities are. He needs to learn how to plan ahead, and then determine in his heart that he is going to do whatever it takes to meet the goal! He’ll need someone, at first, to guide him when he faces tough decisions.

III. The SCORNFUL MAN. (Proverbs 19:28-29)

This is a man that just does not care about anything important in life. He is a deliberate troublemaker. Pro. 22:10 says, "Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease." He is a bad influence. How do you deal with him? You have to confront this guy with his attitude toward God and others. He will probably not listen at first, but instruction MUST be offered. Sympathy does not work here. Empathy and action are the key.

IV. The SINFUL MAN. (Proverbs 1:10-18)

We’re not talking about imperfection here because that would include ALL of us. We are talking about a deliberate character choice. This is someone who entices others to sin. They watch and wait for innocent people in order to cause them to stumble. How do you deal with him? You must be careful of your own conduct. DO NOT COMPROMISE. However, you have to be compassionate and loving. The sinful man needs to hear the Gospel, so he can be saved. And then, taught how to fear the Lord.

We may not be able to change a lot of things in life (i.e. eye color, hair color, etc.) but there is one thing we CAN change and that is our character. Your character is your own, personal choice. Proverbs 13:13-15 "Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded. The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard."