Hearing God Through the YearSample

Responsible Judgment

“My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight; preserve sound judgment and discernment; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck.” Proverbs 3:21-22 (NIV) 

How are we to understand the role the three lights (impressions of the Spirit, passages from the Bible and circumstances) play in hearing God’s voice? Consider that a life lived by listening to God speaking is not one that excludes our own judgment. God makes full use of our mind and our will. Listening to God does not make our own decision-making process unnecessary. We ourselves, as well as others who come under the influence of God’s voice, are still the ones who make the decisions.

The three lights are not a formula, but simply factors we must consider in the process of making a responsible judgment and decision about what we are to do. To be responsible in judgment and action is to humbly and fully consider these factors.

MEDITATION: Chew on the words and phrases in Proverbs 3:21-22.

“My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck.”

What is the significance of preserving sound judgment? How do judgment and discernment differ? What must already be in your heart for you not to let them out of your sight? What must be in your heart for you to consider them “life” and an ornament around your neck?