What does the Bible say about decision-making?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible’s consistent message is that wise decision-making is rooted in following the Lord. Many of the Proverbs teach us to rely on God to make wise decisions (Proverbs 2:6, 3:5-6, 16:3, 16:9). In the Old Testament, at times God told the Israelites to use lots to decide on issues, but it was God, not “luck,” that determined the outcome (Leviticus 16:8; Joshua 7:14-18; 1 Samuel 10:20-21; Proverbs 16:33). The New Testament records just one use of lots, when an apostle to replace Judas Iscariot needed to be chosen (Acts 1:24-26). But like the Old Testament, the New Testament indicates that we should ask God for wisdom (Ephesians 1:17; James 1:5). New Testament believers are also aided in decision-making by the indwelling Holy Spirit (John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:12; Colossians 1:9). The whole of the Bible teaches us God’s moral will for our lives, so in matters of morality–such as sexual behavior, drinking, our how we dress and speak, etc.--- we are to follow the Bible’s teaching. Both the Old and New Testaments emphasize the principle of trusting in God and praying for wisdom as the foundation of decision-making.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Reading God’s Word and asking Him for understanding provide us with wisdom to make God-honoring decisions that glorify Him (Proverbs 2:1-6, 3:5-6).
• We make plans, but God guides our steps (Proverbs 16:9).
• Lots were sometimes used in decision-making for divine guidance to show that the outcome was directed by God (Leviticus 16:8; Numbers 26:55; Joshua 18:10; 1 Samuel 14:41-42; 1 Chronicles 24:5; Nehemiah 10:34; Proverbs 16:33).
• Likely out of fear and unbelief, Gideon asked for confirmation from the Lord by laying out a fleece (Judges 6:36-40). While God was patient with Gideon, his actions are not presented as a model for decision-making. Instead, we are called to trust in God's revealed will through Scripture and seek wisdom through prayer (1 Kings 3:9; Proverbs 3:5-6 ).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Like the Old Testament, the New Testament advises believers to ask God for wisdom in making decisions (James 1:5) but to remain flexible and pray for His will (James 4:13-15).
• The Holy Spirit also helps believers to make decisions (1 Corinthians 2:10-12).
• Believers should not be worried when faced with a tough decision about the future but instead seek God, and He will provide everything we need to live and glorify Him (Matthew 6:25-34).
• Scripture specifies God’s moral will for our lives, which helps us when we’re faced with tough life choices . For example, the Bible provides guidance on God’s will concerning marriage (2 Corinthians 6:14-15; 1 Corinthians 7:39).
• The Bible is clear that we are to pursue Christ and die to ourselves and to sin. God’s Word tells us to avoid sexual immorality, drunkenness, idolatry, theft, lying, cursing, and taking the Lord’s name in vain (1 Thessalonians 4:3; Galatians 5:20-21;, Ephesians 4:28; Colossians 3:9; James 3:10; 1 Timothy 1:13).
• When making decisions, Christians should act in ways that glorify God and point others toward Him ( Matthew 5:16; Romans 12:1-2; Colossians 3:17).
• While the early church cast lots to seek God's will about which person should replace Judas Iscariot as an apostle, this was to show their dependence on Him, No other examples in the New Testament show casting lots as a means of Christian decision-making (Acts 1:26). With the coming of the Holy Spirit, believers are now called to seek God's will through Scripture, prayer, and His Spirit’s guidance rather than relying on external signs (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Philippians 4:6; Romans 8:14).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Making decisions can feel challenging. We live in a world filled with seemingly endless choices and possibilities. God gives clear direction throughout Scripture that our decision-making should fall within His moral standard. One helpful tactic is to separate decision-making into the categories of moral and non-moral. For example, while we are not told exactly whom to marry, Christians are commanded to marry fellow believers (1 Corinthians 7:39; 2 Corinthians 6:14). Beyond that, we have much freedom in our choice of spouse. We are not told exactly what profession to practice, but we are commanded to work and do so honestly (Ephesians 4:28). We are not told exactly where to live, but we are advised to keep Christian fellowship wherever we live (Proverbs 13:20; 1 Corinthians 15:33; Hebrews 10:24-25; Acts 2:42).

Many of our decisions are made easily by considering whether or not the choice would be sinful. Scripture teaches that certain behaviors are sinful and displeasing to God while certain other behaviors are approved of or commanded. This makes the question of whether we should decide to do them easy. However, Christianity cannot be reduced to a list of dos and don'ts.

Some practical considerations to keep in mind when making decisions include praying for wisdom (James 1:5), seeking godly counsel (Proverbs 11:14), considering the needs of others (1 John 3:17), and considering your gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7).

T o make godly decisions, we must come to know and love God’s commands by gaining knowledge of Him through the Bible. We can only come to know God by knowing His Word (the Bible) and believing in His Son, Jesus Christ (John 14:6). The love of God should motivate every decision we make (Matthew 22:37). The glory of God should be the end or result of every decision we make (1 Corinthians 10:31). As we strive to become more like Christ, our minds will be transformed (Romans 12:2), deepening our desire to glorify God and to know Him better ; this ultimately clarifies the decision-making process.

UNDERSTAND

• Some decisions are directly addressed in Scripture, such as avoiding sin and following His will.
• Decision-making for areas that are not addressed in Scripture should be done to honor God.
• Decisions that honor God can be made by knowing Scripture and relying on the Holy Spirit.

REFLECT

• How do you currently seek God’s guidance when making decisions, and how could you grow in trusting His direction?
• In what areas of your life do you struggle to make decisions based on biblical principles, and what steps can you take to change that?
• How does knowing that God ultimately directs your steps bring you peace or challenge your approach to decision-making?

ENGAGE

• How can we help one another apply biblical wisdom when making life choices?
• How can we determine how to make decisions that honor God?
• What is the role of God’s moral commands and the freedom He gives us in decision-making?