Bible Verses About Discernment

The following compilation provides a biblical concept of discernment. To discern means to recognize or comprehend mentally. Feel free to use the list for personal use or group lesson material. Please keep in mind that these verses are taken out of the original context. In order to gain a better understanding of the intended meaning I would encourage you to study each passage thoroughly. A careful systematic study ensures accurate interpretation of the biblical text.

Deuteronomy 32:28
They are a nation without sense, there is no discernment in them.

1 Kings 3:10-12
The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, "Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.

Psalm 119:104
I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.

Psalm 119:125
I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes.

Proverbs 1:5
let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance-

Proverbs 3:13
Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding,

Proverbs 3:21
My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight;

Proverbs 4:1
Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.

Proverbs 8:5
You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, gain understanding.

Proverbs 10:13
Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment.

Proverbs 14:6
The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.

Proverbs 15:14
The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

Proverbs 15:32
He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.

Proverbs 16:21
The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction.

Proverbs 17:10
A rebuke impresses a man of discernment more than a hundred lashes a fool.

Proverbs 17:24
A discerning man keeps wisdom in view, but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth.

Proverbs 17:28
Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.

Proverbs 18:15
The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out.

Proverbs 19:25
Flog a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke a discerning man, and he will gain knowledge.

Proverbs 28:7
He who keeps the law is a discerning son, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.

Proverbs 28:11
A rich man may be wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has discernment sees through him.

Daniel 2:21
He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

Hosea 14:9
Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them. The ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.

1 Corinthians 2:14
The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Philippians 1:9-11
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ-to the glory and praise of God.

Source: Holy Bible, New International Version