Discernment is a critical concept in the Bible, often associated with wisdom, understanding, and the ability to judge well. It involves the capacity to perceive and distinguish between right and wrong, truth and falsehood, and to make decisions that align with God's will. In the Old Testament, discernment is frequently linked with wisdom literature, such as Proverbs, where it is portrayed as a desirable trait for the wise. Proverbs 2:3-5 states, "if you indeed call out for insight and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search it out like hidden treasure, then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God."

In the New Testament, discernment is emphasized as a spiritual gift and a necessary quality for believers. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, prays for the believers to grow in discernment: "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, in order to be pure and blameless for the day of Christ" (Philippians 1:9-10). Discernment is also crucial for distinguishing between true and false teachings, as seen in 1 John 4:1 : "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world."

The Bible encourages believers to seek discernment through prayer, study of the Scriptures, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Hebrews 5:14 highlights the maturity that comes with discernment: "But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil."

Righteousness

Righteousness in the Bible refers to the quality of being morally right or justifiable, and it is a central theme throughout Scripture. It is often associated with God's character and His standards for human conduct. In the Old Testament, righteousness is closely linked with the law and covenant relationship between God and His people. Genesis 15:6 illustrates this connection: "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness."

The Psalms and the Prophets frequently speak of righteousness as a divine attribute and a requirement for God's people. Psalm 11:7 declares, "For the LORD is righteous; He loves justice. The upright will see His face." The prophets, such as Isaiah, call for righteousness as a reflection of God's justice and mercy: "Learn to do right; seek justice. Correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless. Plead the case of the widow" (Isaiah 1:17).

In the New Testament, righteousness takes on a deeper theological significance with the coming of Jesus Christ. It is through faith in Christ that believers are justified and made righteous before God. Romans 3:22 states, "And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe." The Apostle Paul emphasizes that righteousness is not achieved by works but is a gift from God through faith, as seen in Ephesians 2:8-9 : "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast."

Righteousness also involves living a life that reflects God's standards and commands. Believers are called to pursue righteousness as part of their sanctification process, as instructed in 1 Timothy 6:11 : "But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness." The pursuit of righteousness is both a response to God's grace and an expression of the believer's desire to live in accordance with His will.