3 Key Bible Verses For Making Wise Decisions

Making wise decisions isn’t always an easy task. We’re faced with decisions every day we wake up. Some are simple and some not so simple. You may think your decisions don’t matter that much in your life now, but I can promise you that they do.

…Get married now or later?

…Buy a house or rent?

…Take this job or that job?

…Say ‘yes’ or say ‘no’ to this temptation?

The good and bad decisions you are making now will affect you, your family, and the people you influence for years to come. If you think you can just sit back in relaxed passivity for the rest of your life and never make a decision – you’re wrong. The fact is — indecision is still a decision, albeit not a very good one.

For the Christian, however, it’s easy to want to have everything spelled out for you. I’ll admit, I sometimes wish God would just hand me a playbook that I could peek at every once in a while when I need to make a big decision.

While it is incredibly important to desire God’s will in our life, I’m learning slowly that God doesn’t hand us a playbook. Instead, He provides us with the truth in His Word.

Here are 3 key Bible verses that I’ve found to be especially helpful when making those big decisions…

1. Do Everything In the Name of Jesus

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”  Colossians 3:17 (ESV)

This is a verse I am trying to learn to live by. I believe if we were to take this piece of scripture seriously it would change our actions and decisions in a profound way.

Doing everything in Jesus’ name and with thankfulness eliminates selfish decision-making and selfish actions. Jesus lived a selfless life, coming to serve and not to be served.

Every time you make a big decision it would be wise to ask the question – “How will this affect my goal of doing everything in the name of Jesus?”

Will your decision be helpful or hurtful to that goal? Will your decision draw you closer to God or away from God?

 2. Rejoice, Pray and Give Thanks

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)

When making big decisions we often want the answer laid out before us. We want a detailed blueprint for our life and for God’s will in our life – unfortunately, we aren’t really given that.

Regarding God’s will, I strongly agree with a statement that has been made by Johnnie Moore. Johnnie Moore says, “God’s will is more about who you are than where you are or what you’re doing.”

I think that is the heart of the truth found in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. God wants us to be a people who rejoices in all circumstances, prays in all circumstances and gives thanks in all circumstances – regardless of where we are at in life or what decision we must make.

I firmly believe if our life is lived in joy, prayer and thankfulness then our decisions will be aligned with God’s will for our life.

 3. Plans Fail Without Counsel

“Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” Proverbs 15:22 (ESV)

Before making any decision, I think it is vitally important that you seek and heed the counsel of otherwise believers.

While you do need the counsel of someone you love and trust; you don’t need someone who will agree with you no matter what. You need someone who will speak the hard truth to you, even when it hurts. You need someone who isn’t afraid to disagree with you.

Depending on the type of decision you are making it may also help to seek someone who is particularly gifted in the area you are seeking counsel.

Having trouble making the right decisions for your marriage? – Seek marriage counseling.

Need help making financial decisions? – Seek help from someone who lives a life of good stewardship and generosity.

Regardless of what decision you have to make, your decision will always benefit from the love and support of others. Not only will you receive wise advice, but they can also partner with you in prayer and provide support during the outcome of your decision.