The Power of a Discerning Heart
What does it mean to be discerning? The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary tells us the word discerning can be defined as someone who shows insight and understanding. Proverbs 18:15 says, “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.” Biblically speaking, a wise and discerning person would be able to clearly differentiate between right and wrong or good and evil (Hebrews 5:14). In other words, the discerning heart demonstrates wisdom.
Is it the acquired knowledge that makes a person wise? Proverbs 15:14 tells us that “The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.” What is folly? It’s not a word we hear in everyday conversation. According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary folly can easily be explained as a foolish act or idea. It’s also defined as a lack of good sense or judgment. I think we can conclude that someone who feeds on folly isn’t very wise. For example, it would be unwise of someone to refuse to put into practice what they’ve learned. The wise thing to do would be to apply what was learned.
All the knowledge in the world can’t help us if we don’t learn from it. Beth Moore was right on target when she said, “Wisdom is knowledge applied.” 
Our next Petals of Wisdom series is called The Power of a Discerning Heart. This series was inspired by the wisdom found in the book of Proverbs. Over the next few weeks we will be sharing devotions about the lessons we’ve learned, the wisdom we’ve gained and how we grew when we applied it.
The Power of a Discerning Heart is set to begin tomorrow. I am so excited about this series! The book of Proverbs is one of my favorite books in the Bible. I’m boldly praying that God uses each devotion to help us grow in our walk with Jesus. Thank you for joining me today.~Kelly
A Summary of The Book of Proverbs:
“The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth— Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:1-7 [ESV]
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Weekly Linkups
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Discernment is so important. It only develops after a person makes the Word a daily part of their lives. Visiting from Intentional Tuesday 🙂
That’s so true Marya. It’s important to put God’s word into practice.