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The Foundation of Wisdom

A wise person will listen and take in more instruction, said Solomon, king of ancient Israel. Proverbs 1:5 states, “Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.” Solomon’s wisdom, set down in the Bible, offers timeless principles for making wise decisions. His proverbs are designed to help us “To know wisdom and discipline, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and uprightness” (Proverbs 1:2-3). These principles are crucial for anyone seeking to navigate life’s complexities with discernment and prudence.

Considering Long-Term Consequences

Wise decisions require a forward-looking perspective, considering not only immediate benefits but also long-term consequences. Proverbs 22:3 warns, “The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.” This advice encourages us to anticipate potential outcomes and avoid decisions that may lead to harm or regret.

Writing down the short-term and long-term consequences of a decision can be a helpful exercise. For example, accepting a job may offer immediate financial benefits, but could it lead to future dissatisfaction or require relocation away from family? Evaluating both the pros and cons helps prioritize what truly matters and make a more informed decision.

Taking Sufficient Time

Hastily made decisions often lack the depth of consideration necessary for wisdom. Proverbs 21:5 advises, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” Taking the necessary time to deliberate and seek counsel can prevent regrettable choices.

However, taking time should not be confused with procrastination. Some decisions require timely action to avoid negative consequences. Delaying a critical decision can be as detrimental as making a hasty one, potentially leading to missed opportunities or exacerbating problems.

Seeking Counsel

Listening to the experiences and advice of others can provide valuable insights. Proverbs 15:22 states, “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” Seeking input from trusted and knowledgeable individuals can offer perspectives we might not have considered and help refine our decision-making process.

For instance, when choosing a career path, talking to professionals in the field can reveal both the benefits and challenges of the job. Learning from others’ experiences can help us avoid common pitfalls and make more informed choices.

Heeding a Well-Trained Conscience

A well-trained conscience, guided by biblical principles, is essential for making wise decisions. Romans 2:14-15 explains, “For when Gentiles who do not have the law by nature do the things of the law, these, not having the law, are a law to themselves, in that they show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and between their own thoughts they are being accused or even excused.” A conscience aligned with God’s Word helps us discern right from wrong and make decisions that honor Him.

Proverbs 3:6 advises, “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s guidance in every aspect of life. A well-trained conscience will steer us away from actions condemned by Scripture and towards those that reflect God’s will.

The Impact of Decisions on Others

Our decisions often affect those around us. Proverbs 10:1 notes, “A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.” Being mindful of how our choices impact family, friends, and our relationship with God is crucial.

Sometimes, making a wise decision requires choosing between competing loyalties. For instance, aligning our lives with biblical principles might strain relationships with those who do not share our faith. However, pleasing God should always take precedence. Matthew 10:37-38 teaches, “He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me.”

Making the Greatest Decision

The most significant decision we face is whether to follow God’s path or the world’s. Deuteronomy 30:19-20 captures this choice: “I call the heavens and the earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse; and you must choose life so that you may live, you and your descendants, by loving Jehovah your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that Jehovah swore to your forefathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.” This decision is a matter of life and death, determining our eternal destiny.

Bible prophecy and chronology indicate that we are living in “difficult times” (2 Timothy 3:1). The present wicked age is temporary and will be replaced by God’s righteous, renewed earth. Will we choose to align ourselves with God’s Kingdom and enjoy everlasting life, or will we cling to a doomed system? Psalm 37:9-11 assures, “For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for Jehovah shall inherit the land.
Just a little while longer and the wicked one will be no more; And you will look carefully for his place, and he will not be there. But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.”

Deciding for Life

Making the decision to serve God involves learning His requirements and aligning our lives with them. Jesus emphasized the importance of action in Matthew 7:21: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of the heavens, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in the heavens.” Knowledge alone is insufficient; we must also do God’s will.

The early Christians set an example by acting on their faith. Acts 2:41 describes, “So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.” Similarly, those who believe and align their lives with God’s standards should take the step of baptism, symbolizing their dedication to Him.

Some may hesitate to make this decision, fearing inadequacy or failure. However, commitment serves as an incentive to strive for excellence. Just as a new driver must practice to gain confidence, a person dedicated to God must continually grow in faith and understanding.

The Ultimate Decision

The Bible shows that the current world system will soon be replaced by God’s Kingdom. Those who make the wise decision to follow God will remain and participate in creating a paradise on earth. Isaiah 65:17-18 promises, “For look, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for look, I create Jerusalem to be a joy, and her people to be a gladness.”

Will you decide to be part of this renewed earth? The choice is yours. Studying God’s Word, understanding His requirements, and committing to live by them leads to life. Choose life and experience the blessings that come from serving Jehovah.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).