Acts 27:17 and 1 Corinthians 12:28 are the two verses where the word helps is used in the bible. The first example is a nautical expression with is a binding rope or chain to hold a ship together. The second use is in a list of gifts of service. We all think we understand what helps means there, as we are all called to be servants. I think it is a little more complicated than that.

The common usage in the gifts of helps is to support the weak, to lend a hand where needed. That is fine, but the first assertion of the Greek word antilepsis is a laying hold of, an exchange, as if it were to take the lead, to be out front.

Two different Greek words translated as helps, taken from two different situations, but for all practical purposes perform the same work, to keep things from falling apart. In the later part, of the gift, it has a broader meaning. It is not specific in what kind of help is needed. What help is required takes either knowledge of circumstance or investigation of needs.

But another helps is in the gifting which is not obvious and has no formal training or education exists. That is discernment. This help is strictly exercised in obedience of faith, responding to the Holy Spirit who knows the will of God and the needs of us all.

Discernment is an outgrowth of wisdom. Wisdom is the knowledge of expected outcome for a known situation. Discernment is the knowledge of expected outcome of a hidden situation. Only God can provide that kind of help.

Recognition of the gift of helps discernment can only be seen thru exercising obedience of faith.