Main Answer
Philippians 1:9-10 describes discernment as the ability to recognise and approve what is excellent. Paul prays that love will grow together with knowledge and judgment so the church can make mature distinctions.
Paul is writing warmly to believers he loves. His prayer is not simply that they know more, but that their love becomes increasingly informed and discerning so their lives are sincere and fruitful.
Love without judgment can become naive, while judgment without love can become harsh. Paul keeps affection and discernment together.
When several options are technically permissible, ask which one best expresses informed love, integrity and long-term fruit.
A useful way to approach What Does Philippians 1:9-10 Mean by “Approve Things That Are Excellent”? is to keep the passage, the surrounding context and the next responsible action together rather than trying to solve the question from one feeling alone.
For a related free study, read Is Wisdom in Proverbs 8 Jesus?.
For a fuller guided study, see Uncovering Faith: A Christian Devotional on Discernment (available to our members also).
The Extra Study below examines Philippians 1:9-11 in context and takes this question into deeper application.
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