Right or wrong? Truth or error? The process of answering these questions is discernment, and Challies has written a work dedicated entirely to defining and developing this discipline. Challies spends the first part of the book explaining what discernment is, then discusses some of its dangers before concluding with practical advice on how to put discernment to use. Although this book is full of helpful information, it seems repetitive in some places and slow in others.  

Discernment is the skill of understanding and applying God’s Word with the purpose of separating truth from error and right from wrong. [61]

Everything we do – whether it is choosing a church, reading a book, watching television, engaging in evangelism, forming friendships, studying the Bible – everything requires discernment. Because there is no area in which we have perfect understanding, there is no area of life that is beyond our need or ability to be discerning. [83]

We do not need to wait for a prophetic voice or inner promptings or a vision to guide us. We do not open the Bible at a random page and assume that it will guide us. Rather, because we are people who love and know and reassure the truths of God, we seek to live in a way that pleases him. We seek to prioritize what he prioritizes, and we seek to emphasize what he emphasizes. [115]

The confirmation of discernment, the proof that a person is discerning, is found in obedience to the Bible. Discernment is more than a mere mental judgment about truth or error. Discernment requires a response; it requires obedience. [161]

You must begin with prayer, for in so doing you will acknowledge your dependence upon God in the process of discernment. You will acknowledge that as the very author of truth, God is the one who must guide you, who must empower you, and who must be the one you seek to please. He is the source and power of discernment and you must affirm your reliance on him. [168]

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