Page 12 - August 2025 - Truth & Tidings

and all my people shall be ruled according suit, and future blessing may be squan-
to your word; only in regard to the throne dered. But when there is discernment
will I be greater than you” (Gen 41:39-40). in leaders, either of nations, churches or
The overwhelming qualification that led families, the resulting blessing is some-
to blessing in the secular sphere for Jo- thing that continues to be passed down to
seph was that he was a man consistently the following generations. “Surely I have
marked by discernment. taught you statutes and judgments ….
Many years later, the servants of another Therefore be careful to observe them; for
leader, King Saul, would look for someone this is your wisdom and your understand-
to alleviate a distressing spirit that was ing in the sight of the peoples who will
causing much anxiety for the king, and hear all these statutes, and say, ‘Surely this
they chose David, not simply for his abil- great nation is a wise and understanding
ity on the harp but for his discernment. people.’ … Only take heed to yourself, and
They told Saul, “Look, I have seen a son diligently keep yourself, lest you forget
of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful the things your eyes have seen, and lest
in playing, a mighty man of valor, a man they depart from your heart all the days of
of war, prudent in speech, and a handsome your life. And teach them to your children
person; and the LORD is with him” (1Sa and your grandchildren” (Deu 4:5-6,9).
16:18). One of the main characteristics that The Old Testament is full of exhorta-
made David suitable for the position of tions regarding the importance of discern-
importance before the king was the fact ing and understanding the Word of God,
that he showed discernment in the words which in turn lead us to better discern and
he spoke. understand the character of God. “Who-
If in our own lives there is a lack of ever is wise will observe these things, and
discernment in the words we speak and they will understand the lovingkindness
in the decisions we make, there is a real of the LORD” (Psa 107:43). By being im-
possibility of our missing out on blessing mersed in the Word of God, we can learn
in the secular sphere of our lives. to discern between right and wrong,
between true and false. “Through Your
Spiritual Blessing precepts I get understanding; therefore
From the very beginning of having I hate every false way" (119:104). There
the law, the written Word of God, Moses really could be no greater blessing in the
understood that in order to lead people life of the Christian than to understand
spiritually and make wise spiritual deci- more of the character of our God and our
sions, it was necessary that a leader have Saviour and to grow in the knowledge of
discernment. “Choose wise, understanding, who He is and how we can please Him.
and knowledgeable men from among “Give me understanding, and I shall keep
your tribes, and I will make them heads Your law; indeed, I shall observe it with
over you” (Deu 1:13). my whole heart” (v34).
In Scripture we can find many examples So, are you looking to be blessed? Be a
where a leader who did not have discern- believer marked by biblical discernment,
ment led the nation astray. If parents lack a believer enveloped by the Word of God,
discernment, their children may follow and you will be blessed.

236 TRUTH kTidings August 2025