Quotes About Discernment

I have a rule that has served me well in life. When in doubt, do nothing. If you're not sure, don't buy it, don't comment, don't commit. Sit tight. Deviation from this maxim has usually caused me regret.

I have a rule that has served me well in life. When in doubt, do nothing. If you're not sure, don't buy it, don't comment, don't commit.

State the obvious later!

In his commentary on Titus 1:12, for example, Calvin states: "All truth is from God; and consequently, if wicked men have said anything that is true and just, we ought not to reject it; for it has come from God.

The good guys had to operate on a higher level than the killers--just for society to keep track of who was who.

The world tells us what we need to know when we are ready to know it and not before. That's the way of things.

A blind horse kin see just as well from either end.

You can't tell a horse's gait till she's broke.

Never approach a bull from the front, a horse from the rear or a fool from any direction.

Never gamble with a man who knows both sides of the cards.

Do not feed nuts to a man with no teeth.

Notice also that those saved did not reveal everything they knew about God to unbelievers. They waited until God started a relationship with the unbelievers and revealed things to them.

This was a lie. The young prophet believed the old prophet and went back with him. The LORD said because the young prophet disobeyed God's instructions, he would die. On the way back home, the young prophet was killed by a lion. Even though someone, even a true prophet, says "the LORD said" or "an angel told me" does not mean he is not lying or has not deceived himself. Always check what God says in the Scriptures. To do this

Proverbs 19:11

1. Never tell everything at once.

We are supposed to listen to the voice within us that says, "Gosh, this just doesn't sound loving, even though it sounds correct!" Of course, there's much sorting to be done: what does love really call for in a given situation? Nevertheless, the warning in Scripture is there for a reason.

A pastor stands at the crossroads of a congregation's conflicted conscience. It is a congested intersection, this place. Standing in the middle of it can be dizzying, frightening, awful, especially under the intense scrutiny that comes with religious controversy. You have to keep your wits about you to discern whether the groaning in your gut echoes the groaning of the Spirit.

A way of seeing is also a way of not seeing--a focus upon object A involves a neglect of object B.

Satan can move in the supernatural realm, too, because he is a spirit being, as is God. You've got to be able to know whether a vision, dream, impression, or suggestion is from God or Satan. Those suggestions that do not line up with the Word are of the devil.

In looking to the Holy Spirit for guidance, I rely as much on what He doesn't tell me as on what He does.

Our elders told us this was the best way to deal with white people. Be silent until they get nervous, then they will start talking. They will keep talking, and if you stay silent, they will say too much. Then you will be able to see into their hearts and know what they really mean. Then you will know what to do." "I imagine it works," I said.

That's the difference between girls and women: Girls find men fascinating. Women know better.

Common sense is the knack of seeing things as they are, and doing things as they ought to be done.

Do not let us mistake necessary evils for good.