There is a vast difference between being intellectual or smart and being wise or discerning. I have known a lot of really intellectual people in my years. Those folk know everything there is to know about very little. Doctoral dissertations are written about minutia, and frankly, few people want to know so much of anything.

On the other hand, I have known many people who were smart, not intellectually, but practically. These folk know how to make things work, and no matter what the dilemma; they have an understanding and a way to make everything functional. The basis for each of these gifts is rooted in human ability—in the flesh.

When we come to deal with the things of God, however, the things rooted in the flesh cannot be held as reliable for our response to him. The Prophet Hosea gives us insight into knowing the things of God in 14.9: ‘Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them.’ To be wise and discerning opens the windows of heaven to our understanding.

Hosea gives us the basis of understanding as he continues: ‘The ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.’ Only through the Spirit can we grasp the truth of God being always right! And only from that starting point can we gain wisdom and discernment. Then we can discern and walk in the ways of the Lord!