Discernment: How to Make Decisions With God’s Wisdom

I believe the Holy Spirit is highlighting the gift of discernment at this time.
We need it! The world is changing, and it’s affecting our personal lives.

Many of us face crucial decisions—choices that impact us and those we love and lead.

If things have felt complicated lately, take comfort in God’s promises.
Hear Him say,
“Beloved, receive My peace.”
Ask Me for wisdom, and I will provide.” [1]

A Life-Giving Message on Discernment

Recently, I was preparing a sermon when the Holy Spirit said, “This is not the message!”

I’d already spent three weeks working on it in the background, and it was the afternoon before I was due to speak!
So, I paused and asked, “Okay Lord, what do You want me to share?”
As I waited, I felt a bubbling in my spirit.
It was my message on the three levels of discernment.

I knew there was life in this message.

When I finished preaching, the pastor said, “I preached on the gift of discernment last week!”

On Monday, I looked up his sermon—and sure enough, he’d spoken on discernment.
But what amazed me most was that the Scripture he closed with was the same one I opened with, as I moved into my teaching.

Two separate messages.
Same theme.
Same verse.
They were companion messages—crafted by the Holy Spirit to flow together.

I was awestruck.

Discernment is not Optional

I don’t often speak in churches these days.
But the last two times I have, God has led me to speak on wisdom, from the story of Solomon (1 Kings 3:5-12), and then discernment, one after the other.

And it seems to me the Holy Spirit is saying this:
We are in a time when discernment is not optional—it’s essential.
I pray this promise stirs you:

“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.”
(Proverbs 2:3-5, NKJV)

1. Know God Wants to Give Discernment

Here’s an astounding truth about the discernment and wisdom Solomon obtained through prayer:

Solomon didn’t gain this wisdom through experience or education.
He wasn’t born with it.

• It was a powerful gift, given through the Holy Spirit

And it’s a gift available to each of us today. [2]
James declares:

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
(James 1:5 NKJV)

Wisdom and discernment are gifts of grace! (1 Corinthians 12:8-10)
And Jesus reminds us, “The Father gives good gifts.” (Luke 11:13)

So, don’t look to your worthiness, and don’t consider your track record.
It’s not about deserving wisdom; it’s about God’s delight in giving it to His children.

2. Ask for It in Prayer

Perhaps you carry responsibilities, and your heart longs for wisdom.
There’s more than what meets the eye right now.

• You need the kind of discernment that only God can provide

In Scripture, we see an example of this kind of prayer in Solomon’s life.
It’s a prayer that’s often overlooked.
But it’s essential—even pivotal—for us today.

Solomon Prayed for Discernment

“Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”
(I Kings 3:9, NKJV)

The Hebrew word translated “understanding” and “discern” here is biyn, meaning to separate mentally, to perceive, to discern (Strong’s H995)
So, when Solomon asked for “an understanding heart”, he was praying for discernment. [3]

Solomon came to God with a humble heart, fully reliant on what God could give.
The young king longed for the ability to see beneath the surface and judge rightly according to God’s heart.
And that was a prayer God delighted to answer.

Wisdom and discernment must go together.

• How can we have wisdom if we don’t have discernment?

His example is an invitation for us today.
As Solomon did, God is inviting us to ask.
And in that place of closeness, to receive wisdom and insight from the Holy Spirit.

3. Seek the Kingdom Context—and the Father’s Heart

The Holy Spirit’s gift of discernment of spirits opens our eyes to see which kingdom is operating (1 Cor 12:10).

Discernment doesn’t stop at exposing darkness:

• It also reveals God and His glory.

Discernment opens our eyes to what He is doing and where the Holy Spirit is moving.
This gift is a holy invitation to join God where He’s at work.

I often use this example:
Elisha prayed, “Lord, open his eyes,” and his servant saw the hills filled with angelic armies. (2 Kings 6:17)
That’s what discernment does—it opens our eyes to the greater reality of God’s Kingdom.

Step into the Heart of the Father

When Solomon made his famous judgment between the two women and the baby, discernment didn’t just expose the false mother.

• It revealed the true one.

Through that trial, God’s compassion was seen, and an impossible problem was solved. (1 Kings 3:16–28)

Discernment reveals hidden motives.
It also uncovers the truth.
But most importantly, discernment, which is a gift of the Holy Spirit, also displays the fruit of the Spirit.
And the heart of the Father.

Wherever the Holy Spirit is at work, His power not only tears down the works of darkness—He also brings freedom and restoration.

4. Recognize the Treasure in the Ordinary

As I was praying about this message, I had an impression of many stones lying on the ground.
They all looked the same!
And it was hard to distinguish between them.

It’s a picture of the decisions many of us must make.

If you are facing a crossroad of decision, be encouraged by God’s promise:

“I will give you the treasures of darkness
And hidden riches of secret places.” (Isaiah 45:3, NKJV)

Discernment enables you to uncover what others overlook and to find the treasure hidden in the hard places.

• He shows you which stone to turn—and that’s where the answer lies

And it’s the one that holds the answer, the value, or the revelation you need.
In that moment, you recognize the wisdom of God shining from within the ordinary.

There are times when being thorough is important!
And of course, there’s a kind of wisdom that means leaving no stone unturned.

Here, I believe God is speaking of supernatural wisdom and discernment.

5. Seek Discernment When You Need Guidance

God is coming to those who, like the young king Solomon, feel on the threshold of change.

You want to move forward with clarity and God’s wisdom.
But the way ahead isn’t clear.
Be assured that when God says, “I am doing a new thing,” He sets you up to discover it. (Isaiah 43:19)

God-given discernment helps us avoid temptation and pitfalls,
to reveal hidden motives, and to know the right way to go:

• Even when a message or opportunity appears to be from God, but is darkness masquerading as light (2 Cor 11:14)

Yet even in those moments, you don’t have to discern alone.

6. Safeguard Your Discernment in Community

When making important decisions, seek the wisdom of others.
This may prove the wisest thing you do.

Discernment is a gift that is not meant to be used in isolation.
The greatest mistake Solomon made was to become prideful and rely on his own wisdom.

“Where there is no counsel, the people fall;
But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.”
(Proverbs 11:14, NKJV)

Solomon did have advisors around him, but he didn’t continue in God’s ways. (1 Kings 11:1–4)

The greatest tip I have for discerners is to remember, “Your discernment is incomplete!” (1 Cor 13:12)

The gifts of the Spirit are given and expressed in community.
We need others with gifts of prophecy, wisdom, and discernment to confirm and guide.
And leaders to help us grow.
Even as we grow into leadership, we never outgrow this.

7. Give Glory to God When Discernment Bears Fruit

“When all Israel heard the king’s decision, the people were in awe of the king, for they saw the wisdom God had given him for rendering justice.”
(1 Kings 3:28, NLT)

When discernment bears fruit, it not only protects, it also carries power.
What begins as hidden wisdom becomes visible as God’s glory.
It’s the Holy Spirit’s work on display.
Believe this, and have a vision for your life:

Jesus said, “One greater than Solomon is here.” (Matt 12:42)
This, Jesus spoke of Himself.
And now, God’s wisdom is within you—because the Holy Spirit lives in you! (1 Cor 2:12-16)

• As in Solomon’s day, it will be displayed before others.
• When this happens, it will be so remarkable that people will say, “Wow—this is a side of you we haven’t seen before.”

And in that moment, it will be an opportunity to honor God.

Today, hear the Lord saying:
“I have insight for you. Ask Me for wisdom. Seek Me for discernment, and I will provide.”

Leave a Comment

Has this post about discernment spoken to you? I’d love to hear which insight stood out most (number 4, about seeing the treasure in the ordinary, for me).
If you need prayer for a decision or situation, feel free to share with us in the comments.
You don’t need to provide sensitive details; let’s simply pray for and encourage each other.

Notes:

[1] John 14:27, Phil 4:7, James 1:5
[2] This is a quote from my post, “How to Have the Wisdom of Solomon.”
[3] This Hebrew word is strikingly echoed in the Greek word used for discernment in the New Testament, diakrisis (Strong’s G1253), found in both Hebrews 5:14, “discern both good and evil,” and 1 Corinthians 12:10, “discerning of spirits.” Diakrisis comes from the word diakrino (Strong’s G1252), which means to separate thoroughly, to distinguish, to discern.

Discover Joy and Confidence in Your Discernment Gift

Have you ever felt alone, misunderstood, or even overwhelmed in your discernment journey?
I understand—because I’ve been there.

That’s why I’ve created the Course: “Unlocking the Gift of Discernment.“
It’s to help you move from uncertainty to clarity, and from heaviness to joy.
This is a journey of growing in wisdom, spiritual insight, and confidence in the gift God has given you.

You’ll learn how to:

• Identify and grow in your discernment gift
• Discern without fear, and walk in peace
• See as the Father sees—with prophetic clarity
• Use discernment in prayer, leadership, and community

Is it possible to find joy in the gift of discernment? I believe the answer is “yes”!
Whether you’re a prophetic person, intercessor, or someone who “feels deeply” in the spiritual realm and wants to understand why, this course is for you.

• Expressions of interest are now open here

Or email me at [email protected]
You’ll be the first to receive updates, early encouragement, and a personal look at the course as it unfolds.

The course is a companion resource to the third edition of my book, “Unlocking the Gift of Discernment.”

• Meanwhile, check out my earlier online course, which includes lessons on discernment, at the Enliven Prophetic School here

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© 2025 Helen Calder, Enliven Blog

Enliven Ministries: Prophetic ministry for a revival generation

Helen Calder

Helen Calder is a prophetic minister and writer, and founder of Enliven Ministries. Helen has a unique gift of equipping in prophetic ministry and prayer. She is known for Enliven Blog (est. 2009), an online resource that reaches thousands of people globally.