INCLINE YOUR HEART TO DISCERNMENT - Always Look to Jehovah for Discernment

Always Look to Jehovah for Discernment

To follow an upright course in life, all of us need to acknowledge our imperfection and look to Jehovah for spiritual discernment.  Says Proverbs 2:6-9:  "Jehovah himself gives wisdom; out of his mouth there are knowledge and discernment. And for the upright  ones he will treasure up practical wisdom; for those walking in integrity he is a shield, by observing the paths of judgment, and he will guard the very way of his loyal ones.  In that case  you will understand righteousness and judgment and uprightness, the entire course of what is good." -Compare James 4:6.

Acknowledging our dependence upon Jehovah, let us humbly seek to discern his will by delving deeply into his Word.  He possesses wisdom in the absolute sense and his counsel is always beneficial.  (Isaiah 40:13; Romans 11:34) In fact, any advice that stands in opposition to him is valueless.  Proverbs 21:30 states:  "There is not wisdom, nor any discernment, nor any counsel in opposition to Jehovah."  (Compare Proverbs 19:21)  Only spiritual discernment, developed by a study of God's Word with the help of publications provided through "the  faithful and discreet slave," will help to pursue a proper course in life.  (Matthew 24:45-47) Let us therefore direct out way of life in harmony with the counsel of Jehovah, knowing that no matter how plausible contrary  advice may seem, it cannot stand against his Word.

Discerning Christians who give counsel realize that it should be based solidly on God's Word and that Bible study and meditation are required before answering a question.  (Proverbs 15:28)  If questions about serious matters are wrongly answered, great harm can result.  Hence, Christian elders need  spiritual discernment and should pray for Jehovah's guidance when endeavoring to assist fellow believers spiritually.

Next time: INCLINE YOUR HEART TO DISCERNMENT - Abound With Spiritual Discernment

The Watchtower, 1997