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Moral Dilemmas and Biblical Wisdom for Decision Making

The concept of "decision" in biblical wisdom literature and theological thought encompasses a range of meanings, from the act of choosing to the divine pronouncements of judgment. The Hebrew term for "heart" (לֵבָב, lebab) often signifies the seat of knowledge, thought, and memory, indicating that decisions are deeply rooted in one's inner being [12]. Similarly, the Hebrew word for "counsel" (עֵצָה, etsah) frequently appears in wisdom literature, denoting good counsel and wisdom itself, often associated with God's own wisdom [14].

Biblical texts emphasize the necessity of making decisions in service to God. Luke 9:62 suggests that those who look back after putting their hand to the plow are not fit for the kingdom of God, implying a decisive commitment [1]. Joshua 24:14-15 exhorts the people to choose whom they will serve, whether the gods their fathers served or the Lord, highlighting a clear call to decision [1]. This commitment is further described as seeking God with the heart (2 Chronicles 15:12), keeping His commandments (Nehemiah 10:29), being on the Lord's side (Exodus 32:26), and following God fully (Numbers 14:24; 32:12; Joshua 14:8) [1]. Such decisive service is contrasted with a divided service (Matthew 6:24), double-mindedness (James 1:8), or "halting between two opinions" (1 Kings 18:21) [1].

Wisdom literature, particularly Proverbs, frequently addresses the importance of discerning understanding and seeking counsel. Proverbs 1:2 states that its purpose is "to know wisdom and instruction; to discern the words of understanding" [2]. John Gill notes that these proverbs offer a comprehensive system of morality and even politics, instructing both rulers and subjects [21]. The book of Proverbs encourages hearing counsel and receiving instruction, particularly from "Wisdom," which Gill identifies with Jesus Christ, the "wonderful Counsellor" [22]. This instruction aims for wisdom in one's "latter end," suggesting a concern for eternal well-being [22]. Ecclesiastes 7:25 reflects a personal resolution to "know and search out, and to seek wisdom, and a conclusion," recognizing lawlessness as stupidity and folly as madness [3]. Matthew Henry observes that the author of Ecclesiastes, having explored both learning and sensual pleasures, evaluates them to find satisfaction, indicating a deliberate process of judgment and decision-making [24].

The concept of "judgment" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat) is closely related to decision-making in the Bible. It can refer to the secret decisions of God's will, the revelations of His will, or the infliction of punishment on the wicked [9]. Psalms 75:2 states, "When I choose the appointed time, I will judge blamelessly," indicating a divine decision to execute justice [4]. Similarly, Psalms 7:8 asks the Lord to "give a decision for me... because of my righteousness," portraying God as the ultimate judge [5]. The names "Midian" and "Dannah" are associated with "judgment" or "judging," further illustrating the pervasive nature of this concept [6, 8]. The Bible also predicts a future "Day of Judgment," administered by Christ, which is described as a "day of wrath" and "perdition of ungodly men" [10].

Justice (צֶדֶק, tzedek) is intrinsically linked to righteous decision-making. Deuteronomy 16:20 commands, "Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue," and Isaiah 56:1 echoes this call [11]. Justice is required in executing judgment (Deuteronomy 16:18), in commercial dealings (Leviticus 19:36), and particularly towards the vulnerable, such as the poor, fatherless, and widows (Proverbs 29:14; Isaiah 1:17) [11]. God Himself requires justice (Micah 6:8) and delights in it (Proverbs 11:1), granting wisdom to those who seek to execute it (1 Kings 3:11-12) [11].

A crucial element in biblical decision-making is the "fear of the Lord." This is not a cowering dread but a reverential awe that shapes one's choices and actions. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" [19]. This fear is presented as a counter to inner turmoil, bringing peace [18]. Isaiah 8:11-15 highlights the contrast between fearing the Lord and fearing people; fearing people leads to destruction, while fearing the Lord offers sanctuary and salvation [16]. Tyndale House notes that by fearing Christ, believers are freed from the fear of human persecutors [17]. Isaiah 8:13 exhorts individuals to "sanctify" the Lord, honoring His holy name by regarding Him as their sole hope and fearing His wrath rather than human threats [20]. This fear of the Lord is a foundational principle for making wise and righteous decisions, guiding individuals away from the "path of the wicked" (Proverbs 1:15) and towards "paths of wisdom" and "justice" (Proverbs 3:17; 8:20) [13].

The "heart" (לֵבָב, lebab) is central to this process, representing the inner faculty for knowledge, thought, and reflection [12]. To "set the mind" (לֵבָב שׂוּם, sum lebab) means to consider deeply, as seen in Haggai 2:15, 18 [12]. This internal disposition is critical for making sound decisions. Job 34:4 encourages individuals to "make the decision for ourselves as to what is right; let us have the knowledge among ourselves of what is good," suggesting a personal responsibility in discerning moral choices [7]. However, this personal discernment is not to be done in isolation but in seeking God "betimes," making it the "first and chief anxiety" [15]. Jeremiah 9:24 emphasizes an "experimental knowledge of God," not just intellectual understanding, but a practical knowing that leads to walking in His ways, characterized by "loving kindness, judgment, and righteousness" [23]. This holistic approach to decision-making, rooted in the fear of the Lord and guided by His wisdom, is a recurring theme throughout biblical literature.

Sources

  1. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Decision — Necessary to the service of God -- Lu 9:62. Exhortations to -- Jos 24:14,15. Exhibited in Seeking God with the heart. -- 2Ch 15:12. Keeping the commandments of God. -- Ne 10:29. Being on the Lord's side. -- Ex 32:26. Following God fully. -- Nu 14:24; 32:12; Jos 14:8. Serving God. -- Isa 56:6. Loving God perfectly. -- De 6:5. Blessedness of. -- Jos 1:7. Opposed to A divided service. -- Mt 6:24. Double-mindedness. -- Jas 1:8. Halting between two opinions. -- 1Ki 18:21. Turning to the right or left. -- De 5:32. Not setting the heart aright. -- Ps 78:8,37. Exe”
  2. Proverbs “to know wisdom and instruction; to discern the words of understanding; -- Proverbs 1:2”
  3. Ecclesiastes “Ecclesiastes 7:25 (Rotherham) — Resolved, I, in my heart, to know and search out, and to seek wisdom, and a conclusion,—and to know lawlessness [to be] stupidity, and folly to be madness.”
  4. Psalms “When I choose the appointed time, I will judge blamelessly. -- Psalms 75:2”
  5. Psalms “Psalms 7:8 (BBE) — The Lord will be judge of the peoples; give a decision for me, O Lord, because of my righteousness, and let my virtue have its reward.”
  6. Hitchcock's Bible Names “Hitchcock's Bible Names: Midian — judgment; covering; habit”
  7. Job “Job 34:4 (BBE) — Let us make the decision for ourselves as to what is right; let us have the knowledge among ourselves of what is good.”
  8. Hitchcock's Bible Names “Hitchcock's Bible Names: Dannah — judging”
  9. Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Judgments of God — (1.) The secret decisions of God's will (Ps. 110:5; 36:6). (2.) The revelations of his will (Ex. 21:1; Deut. 6:20; Ps. 119:7-175). (3.) The infliction of punishment on the wicked (Ex. 6:6; 12:12; Ezek. 25:11; Rev. 16:7), such as is mentioned in Gen. 7; 19:24, 25; Judg. 1:6, 7; Acts 5:1-10, etc.”
  10. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Judgment, The — Predicted in the Old Testament -- 1Ch 16:33; Ps 9:7; 96:13; Ec 3:17. A first principle of the gospel -- Heb 6:2. A day appointed for -- Ac 17:31; Ro 2:16. Time of, unknown to us -- Mr 13:32. Called the Day of wrath. -- Ro 2:5; Re 6:17. Revelation of the righteous judgment of God. -- Ro 2:5. Day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. -- 2Pe 3:7. Day of destruction. -- Job 21:30. Judgment of the great day. -- Jude 1:6. Shall be administered by Christ -- Joh 5:22,27; Ac 10:42; Ro 14:10; 2Co 5:10. Saints shall sit with Christ in -- 1Co 6:2; Re 20:4. Sh”
  11. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Justice — Commanded -- De 16:20; Isa 56:1. Christ, an example of -- Ps 98:9; Isa 11:4; Jer 23:5. Specially required in rulers -- 2Sa 23:3; Eze 45:9. To be done In executing judgment. -- De 16:18; Jer 21:12. In buying and selling. -- Le 19:36; De 25:15. To the poor. -- Pr 29:14; 31:9. To the fatherless and widows. -- Isa 1:17. To servants. -- Col 4:1. Gifts impede -- Ex 23:8. God Requires. -- Mic 6:8. Sets the highest value on. -- Pr 2:13. Delights in. -- Pr 11:1. Gives wisdom to execute. -- 1Ki 3:11,12; Pr 2:6,9. Displeased with the want of. -- Ec 5:8. Brings its own”
  12. Brown-Driver-Briggs “[BDB H3824] lebab (part 3/5) — knowledge, with ידע Deut 8:5; 23:14; 1Kin 2:44; הבין Isa 6:10; 32:4; לֵבָב חֲכַם wise of mind Job 9:4; חָכְמָה לְבַב mind of wisdom Psa 90:12. c. thinking, reflection, with חשׁב Isa 10:7; Zech 7:10; 8:17; (שׂיּח Psa 77:7 above); ל מחשׁבות ׳יצר conception of thoughts of mind 1Chr 29:18; ל ׳מַשְׂכִּיּוֺת imaginations of (their) mind Psa 73:7; ל ׳מוֺרָשֵׁי possessions (thoughts) of (my) mind Job 17:11; לבב שׂם set the mind, consider Hag 2:15, 18 (twice in verse), with לְ Deut 32:46, על Hag 1:5, 7. d. of memeory בלבב שׂם lay up in the mind 1Sam 21:13; Job 22:22; ל אל ׳השׁיב ”
  13. Brown-Driver-Briggs “[BDB H5410] nathiyb (part 2/2) — of moral action, and character: paths of wisdom Prov 3:17, justice 8:20 (|| צְדָקָה אֹרַח); light Job 24:13; ׳נ עוֺלָם Jer 6:16 (|| הַטּוֺב דֶּרֶךְ); path of wicked Prov 1:15; Isa 59:8 (crooked), path of adulteress Prov 7:25; נְתִיבוֺת Jer 18:15 is rendered 'by-paths,' by Gf Rothst and others; < Gie makes construct before following לֹא דֶּרֶךְ סְלוּלָה נְתִיבָהּ֯ Prov 12:28 see נָתִיב.”
  14. Brown-Driver-Briggs “[BDB H6098] etsah (part 2/2) — Especially in Wisdom Literature and prophets; counsel = good counsle, wisdom Job 38:2; 42:3; Prov 12:15; 20:5 (its seat בְּלֶבאִֿישׁ); || תּוּשִׁיָּה 8:14; Isa 28:29 (of ׳י); || חָכְמָה Jer 49:7; || חָכְמָה and תְּבוּנָה Job 12:13; Prov 21:30; || מוּסָר 19:20; || תַּחְבֻּלוֺת 20:18 (compare Isa 36:5 above); ׳ע נִפְתָּלִים Job 5:13; ע ׳רוּחַ וּגְבוּרָה Isa 11:2 (|| ׳ר וּבָינָה חָכְמָה); hearty counsel ׳ע נֶפֶשׁ Prov 27:9; counsel of wisdom, when wisdom is personified 1:25, 30 (|| תּוֺכַחַת); in bad sense ׳ע רשׁעים Job 10:3; 21:16; 22:18; Psa 1:1, compare Job 18:7; Ps”
  15. Job (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Job 8:5: seek unto God betimes--early. Make it the first and chief anxiety (Psa 78:34; Hos 5:15; Isa 26:9; Pro 8:17; Pro 13:24).”
  16. Isaiah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Isaiah 8:11: 8:11-15 This text reveals the heart of Isaiah’s message. The issue was fear of the Lord versus fear of people (see 7:9; 8:6). When an individual fears people, the Lord becomes a trap and destruction is certain (cp. Prov 29:25; see “Fearing People” Theme Note). For those who fear the Lord, he becomes a sanctuary; their salvation is assured.”
  17. 1 Peter (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Peter 3:14: 3:14-15 or be afraid of their threats: See Isa 8:13, where God exhorts the prophet to fear nothing except the Lord. • worship Christ as Lord: By fearing Christ, they will be free from fear of their human persecutors.”
  18. Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 15:16: 15:16 A healthy fear for the Lord counteracts inner turmoil and brings inner peace. • Better to have little: See also 16:8.”
  19. Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 9:10: 9:10-12 Fear of the Lord: See study note on 1:7.”
  20. Isaiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Isaiah 8:13: Sanctify--Honor His holy name by regarding Him as your only hope of safety (Isa 29:23; Num 20:12). him . . . fear--"fear" lest you provoke His wrath by your fear of man and distrust of Him.”
  21. Proverbs (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Proverbs 1:2: To know wisdom and instruction,.... That is, these proverbs were made, and written, and published, to make known or to teach men wisdom and knowledge; not only in things moral, and therefore these proverbs are by some called Solomon's "ethics"; and indeed they do contain the best system of morality in the whole world; nothing like it is to be extracted out of all the writings of the Heathen poets and philosophers: nor only in things civil; for which reason they may be called his "politics", seeing they are instructive to kings and civil magistrates, and to subjects; ”
  22. Proverbs (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Proverbs 19:20: Hear counsel, and receive instruction,.... Of parents, masters, and ministers; especially the counsel and instruction of Wisdom, of Jesus Christ, the Wisdom of God, the wonderful Counsellor; and of his Gospel and of the Scriptures, which are able to make a man wise unto salvation; that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end; in the latter end of life, at death; that then it may appear a man has been so wise as to be concerned for a future state, for the good of his soul in another world; by listening to the counsel and instruction of Christ, in his word; by lookin”
  23. Jeremiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Jeremiah 9:24: Nothing but an experimental knowledge of God will save the nation. understandeth--theoretically; in the intellect. knoweth--practically: so as to walk in My ways (Jer 22:16; Job 22:21; Co1 1:31). loving kindness--God's mercy is put in the first and highest place, because without it we should flee from God in fear and despair. judgment . . . righteousness--loving-kindness towards the godly; judgment towards the ungodly; righteousness the most perfect fairness in all cases [GROTIUS]. Faithfulness to His promises to preserve the godly, as well a”
  24. 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”
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