Something I read in A Proverbs Driven Life reminded me of how growth in wisdom and discernment is directly related to obedience to God in other areas.

“But this [living a Proverbs-driven life] will require more than memorizing a few passages. Proverbs is not a reference book to pull off the shelf when you are stumped by life’s difficulties. It is not a set of pat answers to cookie-cutter challenges. Instead, it guides and empowers us to discover answers for ourselves by virtue of having gained wisdom through diligent application” (emphasis mine).

That quote reminded me of something Tim Challies wrote in his book, The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment. His key thought for Chapter 9, “Developing Discernment,” states, “Discernment is not a pursuit that stands on its own in the life of the Christian. Rather, it is inexorably connected to others. Those who wish to be discerning must have a posture of discernment. They must commit to reading and studying the Bible, to participating in the local church, and to pursuing the character traits of a Christian. The lives of these people will display the proof of discernment in their obedience to the Bible and in their maturity as Christians.”

Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. Proverbs 3:7

The wise and discerning show themselves to be so by an obedient life. The obedient Christian will grow in wisdom and discernment.