1 Corinthians 7:25

Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful (KJV)

Then: Finished with his two extra illustrations, Paul returns to the Corinthians' other issues concerning marriage - sort of. Up front, he says he's using his own understandings, not direct information from God. In the process of explanation, he reveals that in following his example, the Corinthians, also, can and should reason through what is known and apply it to their daily lives. Paul uses his judgement. He has the Lord's mercy. He is called to be faithful. Being faithful necessarily requires constant attention and commitment.

Now: The integral parts of being faithful produce good judgements. The basics of daily prayer, Bible reading, communication with fellow believers, and paying attention to results of personal actions are the necessary elements. The Bible as God's Word provides followers with his direct words and many stories of how others used his words. Some were wise and some were unwise. In reading Paul's letters, we hear direct information from one who saw the risen Lord and spent many years reorienting his knowledge about the Old Testament. He needed to understand it in light of Jesus' resurrection. He tells us what he learned. In talking with fellow believers, we hear about their experiences in relating to God and what he taught them.

The one last central part of good judgement, though, is the specific guidance which the Holy Spirit gives when asked. Recognition of the Spirit's voice sometimes comes as an intuitive knowing. For some it is an audible event and for some it is the everyday practice of being obedient to the commandments. How the Lord speaks to the hearts and minds of his followers is a mystery, an ongoing happening often described as a personal relationship with Christ. In sum, the practice of listening and being faithful produces good judgements.