Biblical Wisdom: How Elisha’s Story Teaches Us to Help Others with Discernment

She had come to the end of her rope. There was no food in the house, no money to help, and only death looming over her. Desperate, she went to speak to the man of God, Elisha.

According to 2 Kings 4:2, "Elisha replied to her, 'How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?'"

Throughout the years, I have seen people reach out to others in their time of need. Some may offer a kind word, hoping it will bring comfort, while others may bring a delicious casserole, believing nourishment is what is needed. However, Elisha helped the grieving widow by focusing on what she already had. Instead of rushing into action, he took the time to investigate the situation first. Too often, we are guilty of doing the opposite—we take action, assuming we know what is needed, rather than taking the time to truly understand the situation.

Personally, I have been guilty of making decisions based on appearances rather than doing proper research. For example, I once attended a large auction where I saw a beautiful motorcycle being pushed across the floor. Without investigating its condition, I placed a bid and eventually became the owner of a nice-looking bike—one that barely ran more than once or twice. Similarly, there have been times when people in the church or community have approached me for help, claiming they needed gas or groceries. However, their true intent was often to receive money for personal use rather than their stated need.

As believers, we must be compassionate and always willing to help, but we should also be discerning. Matthew 10:16 reminds us, "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." While we are called to have a servant’s heart, we must also be aware that the world is full of opportunists seeking to take advantage of our kindness.

To navigate this balance, we must be prayerful, covered in the armor of God, and cautious in our actions. Walking the path of Jesus was not easy, and neither is ours—but with wisdom and discernment, we can serve others while also protecting ourselves.