Is that a wise decision?

When dealing with choices in life it is always best to be sure it is wise.

The great thing is the Bible gives us very clear instructions on how to tell if something is from God or it is driven by our carnal nature.

Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.

Proverbs 16:16 ¶ How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.

We know we need God’s wisdom, we understand its value, but we need guidance from God on being sure we are using Godly wisdom in all our choices and decisions.

First we need to understand that our principles and values should be guiding us to only do what God wants us to do. If we have Godly principles and values we will be driven to follow God’s direction.

Our principles determine our direction

· principle - a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct;

Christian principles are the basis of which Christian Values and morals are formed.

Morals: A set of beliefs that determine if a particular conduct is good or evil: right or wrong; acceptable behavior or unacceptable behavior.

Godly wisdom will be found when our principles, values and morals are in line with the clear instructions of the Bible.

Signs of a lack of wisdom

James 3:13-16 13 ¶ Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.

14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.

Proverbs 10: 17 ¶ He who keeps instruction is in the way of life, But he who refuses correction goes astray. 18 ¶ Whoever hides hatred has lying lips, And whoever spreads slander is a fool. 19 ¶ In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise.

The Greek word for slander here has several points of definition

• whispering, saying things about others that is not kind

• defamation, defaming, that is vilifying someone, saying things to make them look bad

• evil report, saying something unfavorable about someone

Proverbs makes it clear if we have any disparaging or insulting words about someone as we try to make choices; we are not being guided by God. Spreading slander, hurtful or harmful gossip about another person does not ever come from the lips of the wise person of God. If this is where you find yourself, don’t make any decisions until you are able to get your heart right with God. You will only hurt yourself in the end and fall further into sin.

Proverbs 13: 10 ¶ By pride comes nothing but strife, But with the well-advised is wisdom.

Most of the time strife is caused by pride. Proverbs makes it clear that we must have humble hearts when we make our decisions, then strife will not be caused by our choices.

But to do this we also need hearts that are under God’s control.

Philippians 4: 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

A Christian walking in wisdom has a whole different spirit about them.

The things that come out of their mouths is just, pure, lovely, and is filled with a good report.

If our hearts and minds aren’t obedient to this verse, if this isn’t something filling our thoughts, we are not following God, and our choices will be wrong and even sinful.

Never make decisions until your heart is under the complete control of Philippians 4:8

Signs of True Wisdom

James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

So I’m making a decision and as I make it I put it to this test.

Is it peaceable?

Is it done gently?

Do I have a spirit willing to yield to others?

Is it sown with good fruit?

Is it done without partiality?

Is what I am doing done without being hypocritical, that is, are we applying the same standards to ourselves as we are demanding of others.

Follow this pattern for making wise decisions

James 3:13-16 13 ¶ Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.

It is easy to spot someone who is walking in wisdom. Their conduct, how they are acting is done with a meek spirit of wisdom. The things they say, how they act towards others in making their decision all make it easy to spot a person walking in Godly wisdom.

Colossians 3:12 ¶ Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

The best part of walking in wisdom is that it brings about great peace in our hearts, and who doesn’t need peace filling their heart. When we are obedient to the verses here in Colossians then we know we are under the control of the Holy Spirit and can make wise decisions.

Follow this pattern, because then you can be assured your decision is guided by God and He will reward it with His peace in your heart.