Discernment is the ability to recognize the dissonance between right and wrong, good and evil, or light and dark, coupled with the capacity to appropriately respond. Perhaps you have heard a friend or family member say, “I knew something wasn’t right” just after experiencing the frustration of proceeding without heeding that internal warning. Discernment is often described as a feeling and perhaps that is a method the Holy Spirit uses to communicate, but discernment is evident in acting upon those feelings. You wouldn’t say the person who is attempting to recover from financial failure due to a crooked partnership, was financially discerning in that situation. You would probably say they were a victim or gullible.
Discernment is the voice of the Holy Spirit attempting to be a light unto our path and a lamp to our feet (Ps. 119:105). Jesus tells us the Holy Spirit will show us what is to come (John 16:13). Having the ability, through the Holy spirit to understand the path in front of you coupled with the capacity to positively respond is a wonderful gift that will preserve your strength and minimize failures.
How often do you know what you should do, but for some reason choose not to do it?