Discerment of what spirit?Give me some Clarity

The sound judgment which makes possible the distinguishing of good from evil, and the recognition of God’s right ways for his people. It is necessary for the understanding of spiritual realities and, on a practical level, for right government and the avoidance of life’s pitfalls.

Discernment is defined as the quality of being able to comprehend what is obscure and skill in discerning. It is often associated with wisdom and the ability to judge which things are good and which are bad. In a broader context, discernment can refer to the act of perceiving or discerning something, indicating a deeper understanding of situations or concepts.

Examples of Discerment:

New Testament scriptures

Matthew 16:13–23 “13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ. 21 From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from…”

Acts 1:15–26 “15 In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said, 16 “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. 17 For he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.” 18 (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlong he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. 19 And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) 20 “For it is written in the Book of Psalms, “ ‘May his camp become desolate, and let there be no one to dwell in it’; and “ ‘Let another take his office.’ 21 So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up…”

Acts 6:1–6 “1 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.”

Acts 14:2–4 “2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers. 3 So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. 4 But the people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles.”

Acts 15:28 “28 For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements:”

Romans 12:2 “2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

1 Corinthians 12:7–12 “7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills. 12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.”

1 Corinthians 12:4–11 “4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.”

1 John 4:1–3 “1 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. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.”

Old Testament

1 Kings 3:9 “9 Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?””

Proverbs 3:5–6 “5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Psalm 119:125 “125 I am your servant; give me understanding, that I may know your testimonies!”

Psalm 119:66 “66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments.”

noun

the ability to judge well:"an astonishing lack of discernment"Similar:judgment taste discrimination refinement

(in Christian contexts) perception in the absence of judgment with a view to obtaining spiritual guidance and understanding:"without providing for a time of healing and discernment, there will be no hope of living through this present moment without a shattering of our common life"

Discernment is the ability to recognize small details, accurately differentiate between similar things, and make intelligent judgments based on observations. It is the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure, showing good judgment about the quality of somebody or something.

Discernment is a spiritual gift given by God through the indwelling Holy Spirit. The Bible teaches believers to seek discernment in order to grow in wisdom, understanding, and knowledge of spiritual truth. Christians are called to look at the good world God created and pursue His goodness and godliness. Bible verses about discernment include Proverbs 3:5-6, 1 Kings 3:9, Matthew 7:15-16, Isaiah 11:2, Hebrews 5:14, James 1:5, 1 John 4:1, and Philippians 1:9-10.

Spiritual discernment refers to the God-given ability to perceive and distinguish between truth and error, good and evil, and divine guidance versus human or deceptive influences. It involves an intersection of knowledge, wisdom, and intuition, aiding believers in navigating their lives according to God’s will. Additionally, it is a decision-making process that helps individuals align their choices with their faith and interpret God’s will. Ultimately, spiritual discernment serves as a guide in recognizing and interpreting messages from spiritual beliefs to make thoughtful life choices.  Discernment is defined as the quality of being able to comprehend what is obscure and skill in discerning. It is often considered a spiritual gift that involves insight and wisdom, particularly in determining the true nature of situations, people, or things. Additionally, discernment can refer to the ability to make judicious decisions based on understanding and perception

1 Thessalonians 5:21–22 “21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.”

Proverbs 18:15 “15 An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.”

Ephesians 5:10 “10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.”

Romans 12:2 “2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

1 John 4:1 “1 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.”

Hebrews 5:14 “14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.”

Philippians 1:9–10 “9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,”

Deuteronomy 4:6 “6 Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’”

Ref Info;

Deuteronomy 4:6 emphasizes the importance of following and keeping the statutes and commandments given by God. By doing so, the Israelites will be seen as a wise and understanding nation in the eyes of other nations1. The verse also highlights that wisdom comes from God's Word and that obedience to His laws is essential for Israel's occupation of the land.