Watchout For WOLVES: Keys To Discerning Authentic Ministries & Evaluating Doctrinal Trends

4. To perceive differences. 5. To perceive and fix the identity of, especially with difficulty. 6. To perceive, especially barely or fleetingly. 7. To perceive with a special effort of the senses or the mind. 8. To recognize as being different. Synonyms for the word “ discern ” inclu de such words like perceive, observe, notice, note, recognize, tell apart and distinguish. To discern is the opposite of to disregard, neglect and overlook. The definitions of the English word “discernment” can add even further to our understanding in this area. It means some of the following: 1. The act or process of exhibiting keen insight and good judgment. 2. Keenness of insight and judgment. 3. Skill in perceiving, discriminating, or judging. Synonyms include: acumen, astuteness, clear-sightedness, discrimination, eye, keenness, nose, perceptiveness and shrewdness. It is the opposite of gullibility, denseness, ignorance, ineptness, obtuseness and stupidity The Greek words that are most often translated “discern” or discernment” are diakrisis and dokimazo . Diakrisis means distinguishing, discerning or judging. It is used by the writer to the Hebrews in Hebrews 5:14. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil . Hebrews 5:14 The Bible indicates that the ability to discern is a mark of a mature believer. But many believers are not mature in this 11