Balancing Observing Examples with Critical Thinking in Decision Making
In Christian thought, decision-making involves a dynamic interplay between observing examples and engaging in critical, reflective thinking. This process is rooted in biblical injunctions to consider, weigh, and prove one's actions and understanding.
The Old Testament wisdom literature, particularly Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, frequently emphasizes the importance of careful observation and serious reflection. Proverbs encourages listeners to "listen attentively and reflect seriously" to gain "right perception of truth" [3]. This implies an active engagement with information rather than passive acceptance. The book of Ecclesiastes, for instance, presents Solomon's methodical consideration of various life pursuits, such as learning and pleasure, as he sought satisfaction. He "turns himself again to behold them, to see if, upon a second view and second thoughts, he could gain more satisfaction" [1]. This demonstrates a process of re-evaluation and critical assessment of observed experiences. Similarly, in Job, the protagonist expresses a desire for his complaints and misfortunes to be "thoroughly weighed," suggesting a need for accurate comparison and careful consideration of circumstances rather than superficial judgment [4]. The omnipresence of God is also presented as a factor in observation, with the Lord "beholding" or "watching" all things, implying that human actions are under divine scrutiny and should therefore be undertaken with care [2].
The New Testament continues this emphasis on thoughtful discernment. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, exhorts believers to "See how ye walk," urging them to be "circumspect" or "accurate" in their conduct [6]. This instruction highlights the need for intentionality and precision in one's actions, particularly in relation to those outside the faith, to avoid causing stumbling [6]. The Greek term for "circumspectly" implies walking with exactness, suggesting a careful and precise manner of living [6]. This is further echoed in Colossians 4:5, which calls for walking "in wisdom toward them that are without," reinforcing the idea of thoughtful engagement with the world [6].
Critical thinking in decision-making also involves self-examination and comparison against a divine standard. Adam Clarke, in his commentary on Galatians 6:4, explains that believers should "prove his own work" by examining their conduct against "the words and example of Christ" [8]. This self-assessment is not for the purpose of comparing oneself favorably to others, but to ensure alignment with Christ's teachings and example. The "only rule for a Christian is the word of Christ; the only pattern for his imitation is the example of Christ" [8]. This perspective underscores that while observing others might offer examples, the ultimate benchmark for critical evaluation is Christ himself [8].
Furthermore, the process of decision-making is often presented as requiring counsel and careful planning. Proverbs 20:18 advises being "careful and considerate in important plans," a sentiment reiterated in Proverbs 15:22, which states that "without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established" [7]. This suggests that individual reflection should be complemented by seeking wisdom from others, allowing for a broader perspective and more robust evaluation of options.
The concept of "considering" is central to both observation and critical thinking. In Ecclesiastes 7:14, the instruction to "consider" is linked to recognizing God's work, even in adversity [5]. This means understanding that both prosperity and adversity are part of God's design, and that humans cannot straighten what God has made crooked [5]. Therefore, patience is advised [5]. This form of consideration involves acknowledging divine sovereignty and integrating it into one's understanding of circumstances, rather than merely reacting to them. The passage suggests that true consideration leads to an acceptance of God's plan, preventing blame "after God" [5].
Sources
- Ecclesiastes (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Ecclesiastes 2:12: Solomon having tried what satisfaction was to be had in learning first, and then in the pleasures of sense, and having also put both together, here compares them one with another and passes a judgment upon them. I. He sets himself to consider both wisdom and folly. He had considered these before (Ecc 1:17); but lest it should be thought he was then too quick in passing a judgment upon them, he here turns himself again to behold them, to see if, upon a second view and second thoughts, he could gain more satisfaction in the search than he had done upon the fir”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 15:3: beholding--watching (compare Pro 5:21; Psa 66:7).”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 2:2: Listen attentively and reflect seriously (Pro 1:24; Psa 130:2). understanding--right perception of truth.”
- Job (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Job 6 (introduction): REPLY OF JOB TO ELIPHAZ. (Job 6:1-30) throughly weighed--Oh, that instead of censuring my complaints when thou oughtest rather to have sympathized with me, thou wouldst accurately compare my sorrow, and my misfortunes; these latter "outweigh in the balance" the former.”
- Ecclesiastes (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ecclesiastes 7:14: consider--resumed from Ecc 7:13. "Consider," that is, regard it as "the work of God"; for "God has made (Hebrew, for 'set') this (adversity) also as well as the other (prosperity)." "Adversity" is one of the things which "God has made crooked," and which man cannot "make straight." He ought therefore to be "patient" (Ecc 7:8). after him--equivalent to "that man may not find anything (to blame) after God" (that is, after "considering God's work," Ecc 7:13). Vulgate and Syriac, "against Him" (compare Ecc 7:10; Rom 3:4).”
- Ephesians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ephesians 5:15: that--rather as Greek, "See how ye walk," &c. The double idea is compressed into one sentence: "See (take heed) how ye walk," and "See that ye walk circumspectly." The manner, as well as the act itself, is included. See how ye are walking, with a view to your being circumspect (literally, accurate, exact) in your walk. Compare Col 4:5, "Walk in wisdom (answering to 'as wise' here) toward them that are without" (answering to "circumspectly," that is, correctly, in relation to the unbelievers around, not giving occasion of stumbling to any, but edifyi”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 20:18: (Compare Pro 15:22). Be careful and considerate in important plans.”
- Galatians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Galatians 6:4: Prove his own work - Let him examine himself and his conduct by the words and example of Christ; and if he find that they bear this touchstone, then he shall have rejoicing in himself alone, feeling that he resembles his Lord and Master, and not in another - not derive his consolation from comparing himself with another who may be weaker, or less instructed than himself. The only rule for a Christian is the word of Christ; the only pattern for his imitation is the example of Christ. He should not compare himself with others; they are not his standard. Christ hath ”