Discern - Proverbs 15:24

Seek God Together

If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogether Today we will read Proverbs 15:24. “To the discerning the path of life leads upward, so that he may avoid going down to Sheol.” The Old Testament doesn’t say a lot about the afterlife. And it would be impossible to know exactly what the writer of this proverb intended. No matter. This was written for our benefit and to instruct. There is a path that leads “upward”. This path is opposite and opposed to the path that leads “downward” to Sheol - the shadowy abode of the dead. And what separates these two paths? Discernment. It’s the discerning who take the path upward. Does this surprise you? You might think sinless perfection, or righteousness, or religious observances are what lead you to God. Apparently not. It’s this magical word “Discernment.” If we looked at the whole of Proverbs, discernment, wisdom, knowledge…these seem to be synonymous. And they have one source - God Himself - and specifically - fear of the Lord. No, you cannot earn God’s favor in yourself. But You can receive God’s favor by appealing to God Himself. This is discernment. God, this discernment, the ability to see things for what they are, to recognize that which is true, comes from You - and how badly we need it. I appeal to You for it. Give me Your wisdom, Your understanding so that I can experience You and live this day successfully.