Avoiding Common Pitfalls and Biases in Decision Making
Decision-making, in a biblical context, often emphasizes careful consideration, seeking wisdom, and understanding potential pitfalls. The book of Proverbs frequently warns against choices that appear correct on the surface but lead to destruction, stating that "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death" (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25) [4]. This highlights a common bias where immediate perception can override true discernment.
One significant pitfall is acting without proper foresight or planning. Jesus illustrates this with parables in Luke, noting that a builder first calculates the cost before starting a tower, and a king assesses his military strength before engaging in war [2]. The failure to do so leads to ridicule or defeat. This principle suggests that sound decision-making requires a realistic appraisal of resources and potential outcomes, rather than impulsive action.
Another bias to avoid is the temptation to begin evil or to engage in activities that compromise one's integrity. Proverbs advises, "Enter not into the path of the wicked, and walk not in the way of evil men" (Proverbs 4:14) [3]. This counsel extends to avoiding actions that abuse trust or lead to unnecessary conflict, such as litigation [5]. The emphasis is on proactive avoidance of situations that could lead to moral compromise or negative consequences.
The pursuit of human applause or contention for victory can also distort judgment. Adam Clarke, commenting on Job 34:4, suggests that individuals should prioritize obtaining "correct views and notions of all things" and labor to "find out what is good," rather than seeking external validation [1]. This points to the importance of internal conviction and a focus on truth over popular opinion or personal gain.
In matters of conscience, particularly concerning disputable practices, the Apostle Paul encourages individuals to be "fully persuaded in his own mind" (Romans 14:5) [6]. This implies that while external guidance is valuable, personal conviction, guided by conscience, plays a crucial role in individual decisions where specific biblical commands are not present. This perspective cautions against imposing one's own convictions on others or being swayed by external pressures in areas of Christian liberty.
Ecclesiastes warns against extremes, advising a balanced approach in life. John Gill interprets Ecclesiastes 7:18 as a call to avoid being "over much righteous or wicked, and over much wise or foolish," but rather to "keep clear of extremes, and pursue the path that is safest" [7]. This suggests that radical or imbalanced approaches can be detrimental, and wisdom lies in moderation and adherence to the fear of God.
Sources
- Job (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Job 34:4: Let us choose to us judgment - Let us not seek the applause of men, nor contend for victory. Let our aim be to obtain correct views and notions of all things; and let us labor to find out what is good.”
- Luke (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Luke 14:28: which of you, &c.--Common sense teaches men not to begin any costly work without first seeing that they have wherewithal to finish. And he who does otherwise exposes himself to general ridicule. Nor will any wise potentate enter on a war with any hostile power without first seeing to it that, despite formidable odds (two to one), he be able to stand his ground; and if he has no hope of this, he will feel that nothing remains for him but to make the best terms he can. Even so, says our Lord, "in the warfare you will each have to wage as My disciples, des”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 4:14: (Compare Psa 1:1). Avoid all temptations to the beginning of evil.”
- Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 14:12: 14:12 // 16:25 The right choice is not always the one that seems right on the surface (see Matt 7:13-14).”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 3:29: Do not abuse confidence and avoid litigation.”
- Romans (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Romans 14:5: One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day--The supplement "alike" should be omitted, as injuring the sense. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind--be guided in such matters by conscientious conviction.”
- Ecclesiastes (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Ecclesiastes 7:18: It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this,.... This advice, as the Arabic version, in the several branches of it; neither to be over much righteous or wicked, and over much wise or foolish; to avoid the one and the other, to keep clear of extremes, and pursue the path that is safest; such advice as this it is right to lay hold on, embrace, and hold fast; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand; from what follows concerning the fear of God; or "this and this" may be rendered "this and that" (c), and the sense be, lay hold on this, that is, the last p”