>>24120865
>>24120875
Discernment of spirits is a gift of the Holy Spirit according to St. Paul
"Discernment" belongs to Prudence, the first Cardinal Virtue.
The Four Cardinal Virtues, Part 1: Prudence & Justice …Prudence is a cardinal virtue, considered the "charioteer" or guide for the other virtues (justice, fortitude, temperance), involving the ability to discern the true good in complex situations, deliberate wisely using memory and reason, and choose the right means to achieve it, essentially being "right reason in action" to direct moral choices towards what is genuinely good, not just what seems easy or cautious. It's about seeing reality clearly, understanding consequences, and applying wisdom from experience, making it crucial for living ethically and aligning actions with ultimate goals.
Key Aspects of Prudence
Discernment: Distinguishing between good and evil, right and wrong, and recognizing true needs vs. fleeting desires.
Foresight (Providence): Anticipating future outcomes and understanding how present actions affect them.
Memory & Experience: Learning from past events and realities.
Reason & Judgment: Using intellect to weigh options, compare possibilities, and form sound moral judgments.
Action (Execution): Moving from thought to effective, well-timed action, avoiding hesitation or rashness.
Why It's "Cardinal"
The term "cardinal" means "hinge," indicating prudence serves as the foundation or pivot for other virtues, guiding how and when to be just, courageous, and temperate.
St. Thomas Aquinas called it the "charioteer of the virtues" because it directs them toward the good, ensuring actions are truly virtuous and not misguided.
Prudence vs. Cautiousness
It's more than just being careful or timid; it's an active, intelligent seeking of the good.
It involves facing necessary risks and choosing battles wisely, not avoiding all challenge.