The four levels of discernment …

I’ve never met anyone who wanted to make bad decisions on purpose. Most people tend to make decisions based on what they think is right, whether or not their basis for thinking is sound or not. But if their basis for thinking is not sound, their decisions will be flawed at best, if not outright wrong.

So how can we interpret this world, and our experience in it, rightly so that we make sound decisions?

There are four levels of discernment we can seek and exercise:

LOGIC – Logic is the lowest level of thinking we can exercise and, unfortunately, it’s all too common. Logic is simply basing our thinking from a pool of information. However, the information may be accurate or inaccurate, complete or woefully lacking. Because logic may contain untruths, it is unreliable for sound decision-making.

KNOWLEDGE – Knowledge is superior to logic because it is a collection of facts or truths. When we have the reality of truth from which to assess our world, we then have the basis for making sound decisions.

UNDERSTANDING – Understanding is superior to knowledge because it is a discernment of the knowledge one has. When we gain insight to the facts and truth we have before us, we can make better decisions.

WISDOM – Wisdom is being able to discern what is true and what is right by the best application of our understanding and knowledge.

The Bible encourages us to pursue knowledge, understanding, and wisdom and has plenty to say about these levels of discernment (I encourage you to do a Bible study on each of those levels of discernment). For example, Proverbs 3:13-22 says:

“Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. She offers you long life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left. She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying. Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly. By wisdom the Lord founded the earth; by understanding he created the heavens. By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth, and the dew settles beneath the night sky. My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, for they will refresh your soul. They are like jewels on a necklace.”

How are you currently making decisions? Quickly, based on a loose set of information in front of you? Or do you search for facts so you can perceive truth about a matter? Do you consider those facts well in order to gain understanding? How do you work at applying your understanding to the best possible outcome?

Our best decision-making happens when we gain and apply wisdom to a matter, “For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. Nothing you desire can compare with it” (Proverbs 8:11).

Where are you at regarding the levels of discernment? How can you seek and pursue wisdom from God so that you can make the very best decisions possible?

Scotty