The Faith Committee of the Character Council of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky

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Character Journal No.26 Discernment November 2001 The Character Journal is a monthly e-zine designed to help parents teach Biblical character qualities to their children. Each month a different character quality is presented with suggestions for Bible lessons and projects. If you have received this mailing from a friend and would like to subscribe to The Character Journal, please follow the instructions below. TO SUBSCRIBE: You can subscribe to The Character Journal via email simply by sending a BLANK email to: [email protected]. You will automatically be sent a confirmation message. Once you reply, you'll be added to the list. Please note that your e-mail address will NOT be passed on to any third party neither will you be sent any unsolicited messages.

TO UNSUBSCRIBE: You may unsubscribe at any time via email simply by sending a BLANK message from the address to which you are subscribed to: [email protected]. We welcome opportunities to speak at churches on the subject of character training in the home. If we can help serve your church in this area, please do not hesitate to contact us. We have been certified by Character First!® Education and can also provide on-site teacher training in the UK for schools and churches wishing to use the Character First!® Education materials. E-mail us for more information on training classes. In His Service! Morris Hull

Home Life Ministries, England Related Hymns & Choruses How to Demonstrate Discernment Bible Verses Related to Discernment Potpourri Bible Stories How to Develop Character Qualities Character Definitions Character Building Resources

Related Hymns and Choruses

 Open My Eyes, That I May See (Clara H. Scott, 1841-1897)  Cleanse Me (J. Edwin Orr, 1912-)  It Is Well with My Soul (Horatio G. Spafford, 1828-1888)  All Things Work Out for Good (John W. Peterson, 1921-)  God Leads Us Along (G.A. Young, 19th century  Have I Done My Best for Jesus? (Ensign Edwin Young, 1895-) Return to top of page...

Bible Verses Related to Discernment

Spend an evening (or several) looking at just one of these verses at a time. Discuss with your family what each verse or story teaches about the character quality; and give vital application of how this quality can be applied to your family. Choose several verses to memorise together as a family during the month. For a more complete study, we suggest you use the Online Bible which you can download free of charge from our web site at http://www.hlm.org/html/files.htm. NOTE: The black coloured text indicates the number attributed to the Greek or Hebrew word in Strong's Concordance as well as a transliteration of the word and its pronunciation. The blue text shows all of the ways that the original word is translated in the Authorised Version. The number beside each of the various words indicates the number of times it is translated in that way; and 1 the number at the end indicates the total number of times the original word appears in the Bible. The red text gives a more technical definition of the original word. In each case, the first time the original word is used is listed first. For the sake of space, not all occurrences of the original word is given but enough to show the various ways in which the word is used.

0995 Nyb biyn bene a primitive root; TWOT-239; v

AV-understand 62, understanding 32, consider 22, prudent 8, perceive 7, regard 6, discern 3, instruct 3, misc. 27; 170

1) to discern, understand, consider

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to perceive, discern

1a2) to understand, know (with the mind)

1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider

1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding

1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to understand

1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach

1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently

1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct

2) (TWOT) prudent, regard

Genesis 41:33 Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet <0995> and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt. Genesis 41:39 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet <0995> and wise as thou art: Deuteronomy 1:13 Take you wise men, and understanding <0995>, and known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you. {Take: Heb. Give} Deuteronomy 4:6 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding <0995> people. Deuteronomy 32:7 Remember the days of old, consider <0995> the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee. {many…: Heb. generation and generation} Deuteronomy 32:10 He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed <0995> him, he kept him as the apple of his eye. {led: or, compassed} Deuteronomy 32:29 O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider <0995> their latter end! 1 Samuel 3:8 And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived <0995> that the LORD had called the child.

03045 edy yada‘ yaw-dah’ a primitive root; TWOT-848; v

AV-know 645, known 105, knowledge 19, perceive 18, shew 17, tell 8, wist 7, understand 7, certainly 7, acknowledge 6, acquaintance 6, consider 6, declare 6, teach 5, misc 85; 947

1) to know 2 1a) (Qal)

1a1) to know

1a1a) to know, learn to know

1a1b) to perceive

1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern

1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish

1a1e) to know by experience

1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess

1a1g) to consider

1a2) to know, be acquainted with

1a3) to know (a person carnally)

1a4) to know how, be skilful in

1a5) to have knowledge, be wise

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed

1b2) to make oneself known

1b3) to be perceived

1b4) to be instructed

1c) (Piel) to cause to know

1d) (Poal) to cause to know

1e) (Pual)

1e1) to be known

1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle)

1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare

1g) (Hophal) to be made known

1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself

Genesis 3:5 For God doth know <03045> that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing <03045> good and evil. Genesis 3:7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew <03045> that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. {aprons: or, things to gird about} Genesis 3:22 And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know <03045> good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: Genesis 4:1 And Adam knew <03045> Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD. {Cain: that is, Gotten, or, Acquired} Genesis 4:9 And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know <03045> not: Am I my brother’s keeper? Genesis 4:17 And Cain knew <03045> his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch: and he builded a city, and called the name of

3 the city, after the name of his son, Enoch. {Enoch: Heb. Chanoch} Genesis 4:25 And Adam knew <03045> his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew. {Seth: Heb. Sheth: that is Appointed, or, Put} Genesis 8:11 And the dove came in to him in the evening; and, lo, in her mouth was an olive leaf pluckt off: so Noah knew <03045> that the waters were abated from off the earth. Genesis 9:24 And Noah awoke from his wine, and knew <03045> what his younger son had done unto him. Genesis 12:11 And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife, Behold now, I know <03045> that thou art a fair woman to look upon: Genesis 15:8 And he said, Lord GOD, whereby shall I know <03045> that I shall inherit it? Genesis 15:13 And he said unto Abram, Know <03045> of a surety <03045> that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; Genesis 18:19 For I know <03045> him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him. Genesis 18:21 I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know <03045>. Genesis 19:5 And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know <03045> them. Genesis 19:8 Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known <03045> man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof. Genesis 19:33 And they made their father drink wine that night: and the firstborn went in, and lay with her father; and he perceived <03045> not when she lay down, nor when she arose. Genesis 19:35 And they made their father drink wine that night also: and the younger arose, and lay with him; and he perceived <03045> not when she lay down, nor when she arose. Genesis 20:6 And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know <03045> that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her.

05234 rkn nakar naw-kar’ a primitive root; TWOT-1368; v

AV-know 16, acknowledge 7, discern 6, respect 4, knowledge 2, known 2, feign to another 2, misc 11; 50

1) to recognise, acknowledge, know, respect, discern, regard

1a) (Niphal) to be recognised

1b) (Piel) to regard

1c) (Hiphil)

1c1) to regard, observe, pay attention to, pay regard to, notice

1c2) to recognise (as formerly known), perceive

1c3) to be willing to recognise or acknowledge, acknowledge with honour

1c4) to be acquainted with

1c5) to distinguish, understand

1d) (Hithpael) to make oneself known

2) to act or treat as foreign or strange, disguise, misconstrue

2a) (Niphal) to disguise oneself

2b) (Piel)

2b1) to treat as foreign (profane)

2b2) to misconstrue 4 2c) (Hithpael)

2c1) to act as alien

2c2) to disguise oneself

Genesis 27:23 And he discerned <05234> him not, because his hands were hairy, as his brother Esau’s hands: so he blessed him. Genesis 31:32 With whomsoever thou findest thy gods, let him not live: before our brethren discern <05234> thou what is thine with me, and take it to thee. For Jacob knew not that Rachel had stolen them. Genesis 37:32 And they sent the coat of many colours, and they brought it to their father; and said, This have we found: know <05234> now whether it be thy son’s coat or no. Genesis 37:33 And he knew it <05234>, and said, It is my son’s coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces. Genesis 38:25 When she was brought forth, she sent to her father in law, saying, By the man, whose these are, am I with child: and she said, Discern <05234>, I pray thee, whose are these, the signet, and bracelets, and staff. Genesis 38:26 And Judah acknowledged <05234> them, and said, She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more. Genesis 42:7 And Joseph saw his brethren, and he knew <05234> them, but made himself strange <05234> unto them, and spake roughly unto them; and he said unto them, Whence come ye? And they said, From the land of Canaan to buy food. {roughly…: Heb. hard things with them} Genesis 42:8 And Joseph knew <05234> his brethren, but they knew <05234> not him. Deuteronomy 1:17 Ye shall not respect <05234> persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God’s: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it. {respect…: Heb. acknowledge faces} Deuteronomy 16:19 Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect <05234> persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous. {words: or, matters} Deuteronomy 21:17 But he shall acknowledge <05234> the son of the hated for the firstborn, by giving him a double portion of all that he hath: for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his. {that…: Heb. that is found with him} Deuteronomy 32:27 Were it not that I feared the wrath of the enemy, lest their adversaries should behave themselves strangely <05234>, and lest they should say, Our hand is high, and the LORD hath not done all this. {Our…: or, Our high hand, and not the LORD hath done} Deuteronomy 33:9 Who said unto his father and to his mother, I have not seen him; neither did he acknowledge <05234> his brethren, nor knew his own children: for they have observed thy word, and kept thy covenant. Judges 18:3 When they were by the house of Micah, they knew <05234> the voice of the young man the Levite: and they turned in thither, and said unto him, Who brought thee hither? and what makest thou in this place? and what hast thou here? Ruth 2:10 Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge <05234> of me, seeing I am a stranger?

07200 har ra’ah raw-aw’ a primitive root; TWOT-2095; v

AV-see 879, look 104, behold 83, shew 68, appear 66, consider 22, seer 12, spy 6, respect 5, perceive 5, provide 4, regard 4, enjoy 4, lo 3, foreseeth 2, heed 2, misc 74; 1313

1) to see, look at, inspect, perceive, consider

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to see

1a2) to see, perceive

1a3) to see, have vision

1a4) to look at, see, regard, look after, see after, learn about, observe, watch, look upon, look out, find out

1a5) to see, observe, consider, look at, give attention to, discern, distinguish

1a6) to look at, gaze at 5 1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to appear, present oneself

1b2) to be seen

1b3) to be visible

1c) (Pual) to be seen

1d) (Hiphil)

1d1) to cause to see, show

1d2) to cause to look intently at, behold, cause to gaze at

1e) (Hophal)

1e1) to be caused to see, be shown

1e2) to be exhibited to

1f) (Hithpael) to look at each other, face Genesis 1:4 And God saw <07200> the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. {the light from…: Heb. between the light and between the darkness} Genesis 1:9 And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear <07200>: and it was so. Genesis 1:10 And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw <07200> that it was good. Genesis 1:12 And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw <07200> that it was good. Genesis 1:18 And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw <07200> that it was good. Genesis 1:21 And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw <07200> that it was good. Genesis 1:25 And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw <07200> that it was good. Genesis 1:31 And God saw <07200> every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. {And the evening…: Heb. And the evening was, and the morning was etc.} Genesis 2:19 And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see <07200> what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof. {Adam: or, the man} Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw <07200> that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. {pleasant: Heb. a desire} Genesis 6:2 That the sons of God saw <07200> the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. Genesis 6:5 And GOD saw <07200> that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. {every…: or, the whole imagination: the Hebrew word signifieth not only the imagination, but also the purposes and desires} {continually: Heb. every day} Genesis 6:12 And God looked <07200> upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. Genesis 7:1 And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen <07200> righteous before me in this generation. Genesis 8:5 And the waters decreased continually until the tenth month: in the tenth month, on the first day of the month, were the tops of the mountains seen <07200>. {decreased…: Heb. were in going and decreasing} Genesis 8:8 Also he sent forth a dove from him, to see <07200> if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground; Genesis 8:13 And it came to pass in the six hundredth and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from off the earth: and Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked <07200>, and, behold, the face of the ground was dry. Genesis 9:14 And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen <07200> in the cloud: 6 Genesis 9:16 And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it <07200>, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth. Genesis 9:22 And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw <07200> the nakedness of his father, and told his two brethren without. Genesis 9:23 And Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it upon both their shoulders, and went backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were backward, and they saw <07200> not their father’s nakedness. Genesis 11:5 And the LORD came down to see <07200> the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. Genesis 12:1 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew <07200> thee: Genesis 12:7 And the LORD appeared <07200> unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared <07200> unto him.

08085 emv shama‘ shaw-mah’ a primitive root; TWOT-2412, 2412a

AV-hear 785, hearken 196, obey 81, publish 17, understand 9, obedient 8, diligently 8, shew 6, sound 3, declare 3, discern 2, noise 2, perceive 2, tell 2, reported 2, misc 33; 1159 v

1) to hear, listen to, obey

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to hear (perceive by ear)

1a2) to hear of or concerning

1a3) to hear (have power to hear)

1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to

1a5) to understand (language)

1a6) to hear (of judicial cases)

1a7) to listen, give heed

1a7a) to consent, agree

1a7b) to grant request

1a8) to listen to, yield to

1a9) to obey, be obedient

1b) (Niphal)

1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound)

1b2) to be heard of

1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed

1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon

1d) (Hiphil)

1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound

1d2) to sound aloud (musical term)

1d3) to make proclamation, summon 7 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound Genesis 3:8 And they heard <08085> the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. {cool: Heb. wind} Genesis 3:10 And he said, I heard <08085> thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. Genesis 3:17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened <08085> unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Genesis 4:23 And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear <08085> my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt. {I have…: or, I would slay a man in my wound, etc.} {to my hurt: or, in my hurt} Genesis 11:7 Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand <08085> one another’s speech. Genesis 14:14 And when Abram heard <08085> that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan. {armed: or, led forth} {trained: or, instructed} Genesis 16:2 And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened <08085> to the voice of Sarai. {obtain…: Heb. be built by her} Genesis 16:11 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard <08085> thy affliction. {Ishmael: that is, God shall hear} Genesis 17:20 And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee <08085>: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation. Genesis 18:10 And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard <08085> it in the tent door, which was behind him. Genesis 21:6 And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear <08085> will laugh with me. Genesis 21:12 And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken <08085> unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.

350 anakrinw anakrino an-ak-ree’-no from 303 and 2919; TDNT-3:943,469; v

AV-examine 6, judge 6, ask question 2, search 1, discern 1; 16

1) examine or judge

1a) to investigate, examine, enquire into, scrutinise, sift, question

1a1) specifically in a forensic sense of a judge to hold an investigation

1a2) to interrogate, examine the accused or witnesses

1b) to judge of, estimate, determine (the excellence or defects of any person or thing Luke 23:14 Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined <350> him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him: Acts 4:9 If we this day be examined <350> of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; Acts 12:19 And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined <350> the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode. Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched <350> the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Acts 24:8 Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining <350> of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him. Acts 28:18 Who, when they had examined <350> me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me. 1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned <350>. 1 Corinthians 2:15 But he that is spiritual judgeth <350> all things, yet he himself is judged <350> of no man. {judgeth: or, discerneth} {judged: or, discerned} 1 Corinthians 4:3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged <350> of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge <350> not mine own self. {judgment: Gr. day} 8 1 Corinthians 4:4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth <350> me is the Lord. {know: or, I am not conscious of any fault} 1 Corinthians 9:3 Mine answer to them that do examine <350> me is this, 1 Corinthians 10:25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking <350> no question <350> for conscience sake: 1 Corinthians 10:27 If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking <350> no question <350> for conscience sake. 1 Corinthians 14:24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged <350> of all:

1252 diakrinw diakrino dee-ak-ree’-no from 1223 and 2919; TDNT-3:946,469; v

AV-doubt 5, judge 3, discern 2, contend 2, waver 2, misc 5; 19

1) to separate, make a distinction, discriminate, to prefer

2) to learn by discrimination, to try, decide

2a) to determine, give judgment, decide a dispute

3) to withdraw from one, desert

4) to separate one’s self in a hostile spirit, to oppose, strive with dispute, contend

5) to be at variance with one’s self, hesitate, doubt Matthew 16:3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern <1252> the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? Matthew 21:21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt <1252> not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. Mark 11:23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall <1252> not doubt <1252> in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Acts 10:20 Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting <1252> nothing: for I have sent them. Acts 11:2 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended <1252> with him, Acts 11:12 And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting <1252>. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man’s house: Acts 15:9 And put <1252> no difference <1252> between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Romans 4:20 He staggered <1252> not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; Romans 14:23 And he that doubteth <1252> is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. {doubteth: or, discerneth and putteth a difference between meats} {damned: or, condemned, or liable to punishment} 1 Corinthians 4:7 For who maketh <1252> thee to differ <1252> from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? {maketh…: Gr. distinguisheth thee} 1 Corinthians 6:5 I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge <1252> between his brethren? 1 Corinthians 11:29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning <1252> the Lord’s body. {damnation: or, judgment} 1 Corinthians 11:31 For if we would judge <1252> ourselves, we should not be judged. 1 Corinthians 14:29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let <1252> the other judge <1252>. James 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering <1252>. For he that wavereth <1252> is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. James 2:4 Are ye <1252> not then partial <1252> in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? Jude 1:9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending <1252> with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. Jude 1:22 And of some have compassion, making a difference <1252>:

1253 diakrisiv diakrisis dee-ak’-ree-sis from 1252; TDNT-3:949,469; n f 9 AV-discerning 1, discern 1, disputation 1; 3

1) a distinguishing, discerning, judging Romans 14:1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations <1253>. {not…: or, not to judge his doubtful thoughts} 1 Corinthians 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning <1253> of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: Hebrews 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern <1253> both good and evil. {of full age: or, perfect} {use: or, an habit, or, perfection}

1381 dokimazw dokimazo dok-im-ad’-zo from 1384; TDNT-2:255,181; v

AV-prove 10, try 4, approve 3, discern 2, allow 2, like 1, examine 1; 23

1) to test, examine, prove, scrutinise (to see whether a thing is genuine or not), as metals

2) to recognise as genuine after examination, to approve, deem worthy Luke 12:56 Ye hypocrites, ye can discern <1381> the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern <1381> this time? Luke 14:19 And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove <1381> them: I pray thee have me excused. Romans 1:28 And even as they did <1381> not like <1381> to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; {to retain: or, to acknowledge} {a reprobate…: or, a mind void of judgment or, an unapproving mind} Romans 2:18 And knowest his will, and approvest <1381> the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; {approvest…: or, triest the things that differ} Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove <1381> what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 14:22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth <1381>. 1 Corinthians 3:13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try <1381> every man’s work of what sort it is. {it shall be: Gr. it is} 1 Corinthians 11:28 But let <1381> a man examine <1381> himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 1 Corinthians 16:3 And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve <1381> by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. {liberality: Gr. gift} 2 Corinthians 8:8 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove <1381> the sincerity of your love. 2 Corinthians 8:22 And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have <1381> oftentimes proved <1381> diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you. {I have: or, he hath} 2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove <1381> your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? Galatians 6:4 But let <1381> every man prove <1381> his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. Ephesians 5:10 Proving <1381> what is acceptable unto the Lord. Philippians 1:10 That ye may approve <1381> things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; {approve: or, try} {are…: or, differ} 1 Thessalonians 2:4 But as we were allowed <1381> of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth <1381> our hearts. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 Prove <1381> all things; hold fast that which is good. 1 Timothy 3:10 And let <1381> these also first be proved <1381>; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. Hebrews 3:9 When your fathers tempted me, proved <1381> me, and saw my works forty years. 1 Peter 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried <1381> with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try <1381> the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

2924 kritikov kritikos krit-ee-kos’

10 from 2923; TDNT-3:943,469; adj

AV-discerner 1; 1

1) relating to judging, fit for judging, skilled in judging

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner <2924> of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Return to top of page...

Bible Stories

 Solomon's request for discernment and how he used it (1 Kings 3).  The story of Mary and Martha (Luke 10).  The story of Adam and Eve in the Garden and how they failed to distinguish between what is good and what is evil.  Rehoboam who forsook the counsel of his elders and listened instead to the disastrous counsel of his peers (1 Kings 12). Return to top of page...

Character Definitions

 Learning to use all your faculties to go beneath the surface of a problem. Learning to detect the true wishes and feelings of others. Knowing what to look for in evaluating people, problems, and things. Knowing who God wants me to serve. (IBLP - Character Clues Game)  Understanding the deeper reasons why things happen. (Character First!)  Discernment is the ability to distinguish between what is good and what is evil, in order to make wise decisions. (The Power For True Success) Return to top of page... How to Demonstrate Discernment at Home  Perceiving that selfeshness leads to a breakdown in relationships.  Realising that rebellion in children may come from an unmet need for parental approval and acceptance.  Knowing when it is wise to pay a large sum for an item.  Understanding that addictions, wrong friends, suicide, and violence can be caused by unresolved bitterness, guilt, and lack of purpose in life. at Work/School  Asking questions so that you thoroughly understand what is being required of you.  Identifying and avoiding business practices that compromise God's Word. at Church  Helping others to trace their conflicts and problems to violations of Biblical principles.  Refusing to share the failures of another with those who are not part of the solution.

11  Recognising that we are more alert to others who have the same failings as ourselves. Return to top of page...

Potpourri

The "I Wills" of Discernment  I will ask questions  I will not judge hastily  I will learn from experience  I will not repeat mistakes  I will trace problems to their causes -Character First! Education Series 3 Return to top of page...

Personal Evaluation - How much discernment have you?  Do you ask God for an understanding heart to discern between good and bad?  Do you follow holiness by rejecting all forms of uncleanness?  Do you dedicate your body as a temple of the Spirit of God?  Do you ask God to remove anything in your life that would hinder you from hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit?  Do you listen to both sides of a story before making conclusions?  Do you evaluate the benefits for God's letting something happen?  Do you consider a person's life and background before making a judgment?  When you see someone making a wrong decision, do you desire to help? - taken from The Power for True Success - How to Build Character in Your Life Return to top of page...

Quotations Beware of allowing the discernment of wrong in another blind you to the fact that you are what you are by the grace of God — Oswald Chambers Discernment is God's call to intercession, never to fault finding — Oswald Chambers Discernment is the power to interpret what we see and hear — Oswald Chambers As thine eye observeth others, so again are the eyes of others upon thee — Thomas a Kempis We sometimes see a fool possessed of wit, but never of judgment — La Rochefoucauld Return to top of page...

HOW TO DEVELOP CHARACTER QUALITIES REALISE THE IMPORTANCE OF LEARNING THIS CHARACTER QUALITY. There are three major reasons why we must learn character. First, it reveals the true nature of Christ Who is the perfect fulfilment of each quality. Second, it is the basis for success in life. Lasting achievement is not possible without it. Third, it explains why things happen to us. God's ultimate purpose in our lives is to conform us to the image of Christ. Only with this in mind can we understand how all things work together for good. (See Romans 8:28-29.) MEMORISE THE OPERATIONAL DEFINITION.

12 An operational definition goes beyond the dictionary to include the practical function of the term. For example, listening goes beyond hearing to the interpretation of ideas, and the evaluation of how they can be used in our lives. Nodding, smiling, taking notes, asking questions, or making comments are manifestations of listening. IDENTIFY THE QUALITY IN SCRIPTURE.

By using a concordance, various aspects of a quality can be discovered. For example, researching attentiveness would include studying verses which deal with listening, hearing, giving ear, and being still. In addition to verses, think of biographical illustrations that would illustrate both positive and negative aspects of the quality. Samuel listened to God's voice while Eli was inattentive to it. EXPAND WITH SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS. Knowing what a quality is not is often as helpful as knowing what it is. Use a Thesaurus to expand your understanding of the words which were found in the concordance. BALANCE WITH RELATED QUALITIES.

No quality stands alone; it needs others to keep it from being used inappropriately or incompletely. Attentiveness must be balanced with discernment and combined with obedience LIST WHEN AND WHERE THE QUALITY IS TO BE USED. Attentiveness is the first character quality to be learned. The ear is the first sensory organ to be developed in the womb. At least eighty percent of the communication in our lives depends upon attentiveness. The degree of attentiveness will be demonstrated during times of prayer, listening to sermons, hearing the instruction of parents, conversing with others, receiving discipline, and reading books. DESIGN GUIDELINES TO LEARN THE QUALITY. After understanding the importance and scope of a quality, think through practical disciplines that would be necessary to make that quality a living part of each area of your life. To be attentive, learn to sit still for a given period of time; do not talk while others are speaking; lean forward when being spoken to; take notes during sermons or instruction; and maintain eye contact during conversations. TURN PROBLEMS INTO CHARACTER CLASSES. During the week that you are working on a particular character quality, expect God to give you specially designed situations in which the quality can be better understood and more deeply applied. Welcome trials and temptations as character-building friends rather than resented intruders. EVALUATE PROGRESS.

At the end of the week/month have each family member draw the name of another family member and answer the following questions:

 How was the character quality of the week/month demonstrated by that family member? Attentiveness to each person during the week/month will be required in order to answer this question.  How could that family member have demonstrated the quality? Give respectful suggestions about opportunities which were overlooked  How did I feel when that family member demonstrated the quality? Describe the emotion you experienced.  How did I feel when that family member failed to demonstrate the quality? Explain your inward feelings and outward responses.  What did God teach me through each situation? Taken from the Advanced Seminar Textbook of the Institute in Basic Life Principles Return to top of page...

13 Character Building Resources Character First!® Education Booklet Series Character First!® Education Booklets contain sixteen full colour pages with stories, crafts, songs, games, and teaching techniques for parents or teachers to use with their children. There are nine booklets per set complete with an attractive binder. Each booklet contains approximately three hours of instructional material on a specific character quality. Character First!® Education materials can be used effectively in either a home, school, or church environment. We have been certified by Character First!® Education and can provide on-site teacher training in the UK for schools and churches wishing to use the Character First!® Education materials. E-mail us for more information on training classes at [email protected].

Series One Character Qualities: Attentiveness, Orderliness, Obedience, Forgiveness, Truthfulness, Sincerity, Gratefulness, Virtue, Generosity. Series Two Character Qualities: Responsibility, Resourcefulness, Patience, Discretion, Initiative, Creativity, Self-Control, Tolerance, Punctuality. Series Three Character Qualities: Diligence, Loyalty, Flexibility, Hospitality, Discernment, Enthusiasm, Boldness, Cautiousness, Sensitivity. Order this series directly from our web site at http://www.hlm.org/onlinestore . You will find it listed under Character Building Resources. IBLP Resources We are also privileged to be able to distribute a range of character building materials produced by the Institute in Basic Life Principles including Character Sketches Volumes 1-3, Character First! Education Curriculum and more. E-mail us to request a list of resources available. If you live in the USA, you may request a catalogue and order directly from IBLP by calling 630-323-9800, or writing IBLP, Box One, Oak Brook, IL 60522-3001. Video & Audio Tape Messages by Dr. S.M. Davis on Courtship, Marriage and Parenting Dr. S.M. Davis is a much sought after conference speaker addressing issues on the Christian home. He is particularly well known for his presentations on alternatives to Christian dating. For a list of audio and video tapes available visit our web site at http://www.hlm.org. NOTE: If you live in the USA, you may order Dr. Davis' video and audio tapes by calling 800-500-8853.

Sources used for compiling this mailing:

 The Online Bible

 Character First! Education Series 3, Oak Brook, IL

 Character Clues Game (IBLP)

 Achieving True Success: How to Build Character as a Family, International Association of Character Cities, Oklahoma City

Home Life Ministries - Pastures Farm Cottage - Kimbolton Road - Hail Weston - Huntingdon - Cambridgeshire - PE19 5LB - England - E-mail: [email protected] - Internet: www.hlm.org