• 1 Corinthians 2:10-16
    But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. For "who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?" But we have the mind of Christ.
     
  • Proverbs 2:1-7
    My son, if you receive my words,
    And treasure my commands within you,
    So that you incline your ear to wisdom,
    And apply your heart to understanding;
    Yes, if you cry out for discernment,
    And lift up your voice for understanding,
    If you seek her as silver,
    And search for her as for hidden treasures;
    Then you will understand the fear of the LORD,
    And find the knowledge of God.
    For the LORD gives wisdom;
    From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;
    He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
    He is a shield to those who walk uprightly;

     
  • 1 Corinthians 12:7-11
    But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
     
  • Hebrews 5:14
    But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
     
  • 1 John 4:1-3
    Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.
     


Related Scriptures

  • Hebrews 5:12
    For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.
     
  • Proverbs 1:4
    To give prudence to the simple,
    To the young man knowledge and discretion—

     

For more scripture references, please see Bible verses for Discernment, Spiritual


Resources

Discerning of Spirit

Sermonette by Ronny H. Graham

We need the ability to discriminate in spiritual matters. Grace does not cover unrepented sins nor fellowship with those contemptuous of God's laws.


The Gift of Discerning Spirits

'Ready Answer' by David F. Maas

God gives the ability to determine the source of a spiritual manifestation. However, this gift depends on a thorough knowledge and understanding of God's Word.


The Gift of Discernment and Godly Love

'Ready Answer' by Ronny H. Graham

Scripture warns about end-time deceivers who will seduce church members to ungodly beliefs and ways. We must make righteous judgments to reject what is false.


Discerning Spirits and Discerning the Body

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Because of the culture of deception fostered by Satan and his children, we must develop discernment to tell the difference between truth and falsehood.


Developing Discernment

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Human discernment can be developed and exercised, triggering early warning systems with the reactions of revulsion and confusion when confronted by evil.


Discerning Truth and Applying Wisdom

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Spiritual discernment is a gift from God, enabling us to judge between good and evil, comparing things with God's Word to see if they align with His standards.


How Emotions Affect Spiritual Maturity

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

God displays emotions, but they are always under control, unlike mankind. Using God's Spirit, we can grow into emotional (not emotionless) spiritual maturity.


Spiritual Maturity

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Kingdom parables allude to the process of spiritual maturity, depicting a planted and cultivated seed becoming a sprout, eventually bearing fruit.



For more resources, please see the library topic for Discernment, Spiritual