Discernment is a vital element of wisdom, yet many lack it, often to their detriment. Those without discernment are considered foolish, ignoring advice and failing to consider the consequences of their actions. People who are self-confident, quick-tempered, or lawbreakers often fall into this category, displaying a simplicity that makes them easily enticed and inexperienced. A clear example is Lot, who repeatedly showed a lack of discernment by choosing the fertile land near Sodom and Gomorrah despite its wickedness, relying on sight and desire rather than wisdom. His later actions, including offering his daughters to the men of Sodom and hesitating to flee, led to tragic outcomes for his family, highlighting the consequences of lacking discernment. A lack of discernment is also tied to hypocrisy, as seen in those who claim to know God but fail to recognize the urgency of the times. This failure to scrutinize and test matters deeply results in an inability to discern truth. In the latter days, some within the church will reject truth and follow deceivers, losing discernment by departing from God's truth. This lack is common in the world and has likely been so since the beginning of humanity, though it should not be among God's people. Additionally, those who refuse to love the truth become defenseless against deception and lies, often believing satan's counterfeits over God's reality, living lives marked by falsehood due to their lack of discernment. Even in human interactions, a lack of discernment is evident. Politicians and media often manipulate words, and those without discernment fail to notice the bias or guardedness in such communications. Both liberals and conservatives can lack discernment, missing the underlying lies in their respective spheres. Discernment requires listening beyond words to tone, pace, and what is left unsaid, yet many fail to do so, missing critical insights into others' intentions or emotions. This absence of discernment extends to interpreting body language or interruptions, where assumptions can lead to misunderstanding without careful observation and verification. Spiritually, a profound lack of discernment is seen in those without God's Holy Spirit. Natural human beings, regardless of education or moral standing, cannot discern spiritual truths without true repentance and the gift of the Spirit. People of worldly wisdom often reject the gospel as foolishness, displaying extreme spiritual ignorance. They may speculate on spiritual matters with eloquence, but they cannot truly know or approve of them, lacking the deep understanding that comes from being influenced by God. Thus, the world will never fully comprehend God's church or His elect, often regarding them as folly due to this inherent lack of spiritual discernment.

Discernment is a vital component of wisdom, often indistinguishable from judgment, and is an ability that can be taught, practiced, and developed. Those lacking discernment are considered foolish, as they fail to listen to advice or consider the consequences of their actions. Such individuals are easily enticed, seduced, or inexperienced, unable to navigate the complexities of life wisely. A striking example of lacking discernment is seen in Lot, who repeatedly made unwise choices. When parting from Abram, Lot chose the fertile land of Sodom and Gomorrah despite its wickedness. Later, facing danger in Sodom, he offered his daughters to protect messengers and hesitated to flee, showing a failure to discern the social climate that would harm his family. As a result of these choices, his wife perished, he hid in a cave, and his daughters resorted to desperate measures, all because he relied on human reasoning rather than wise counsel or sacrifice. Similarly, those who claim to know God but fail to discern the urgency of the times are deemed hypocrites, unable to recognize critical moments or truths. In the latter days, some will reject truth and follow deceivers, losing wisdom and discernment by departing from God's path. Such individuals are doomed to deception, unable to distinguish good from evil. People who are self-confident, quick-tempered, or lawbreakers often lack discernment, displaying a simplicity that leaves them vulnerable. Without discernment, one cannot critically evaluate situations or people, falling prey to lies and manipulations. This deficiency renders them defenseless against falsehoods and counterfeit truths propagated by satan, leading to lives built on deception rather than reality.