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Divine Guidance in Human Decision Making Theology

Divine guidance in human decision-making is a concept rooted in the belief that God actively directs believers' choices, though the precise nature and extent of this guidance are understood in various ways across Christian traditions. The Bible frequently speaks of God's instruction and direction for humanity [4, 8, 10].

One foundational aspect of divine guidance is the recognition that God's will is primarily revealed in His Word. John Calvin emphasizes that God's will "is not to be sought anywhere else than in his word," setting aside human inventions or speculations [7]. This perspective suggests that understanding and obeying biblical commands and principles is the primary means of discerning God's will for decisions. For instance, the necessity of decision-making in serving God is highlighted in passages like Luke 9:62 and Joshua 24:14-15, which exhort believers to seek God wholeheartedly and keep His commandments [3].

While the Bible is central, some interpretations also acknowledge God's guidance through other means. Adam Clarke, in his commentary on Genesis 24:12, notes the "pious and rational" conduct of Abraham's servant, who prayed for a "natural sign" that would indicate a suitable wife for Isaac. Clarke views this as an example of acknowledging God's superintendence while also exercising discretion and rationality, rather than "tempt[ing] the providence of God" by expecting only miraculous signs [5]. This suggests a balance between seeking divine input and employing human reason in decision-making.

The concept of God's sovereignty plays a significant role in understanding divine guidance. The doctrine of predestination, for example, asserts that God's "eternal, sovereign, immutable, and unconditional decree or 'determinate purpose' governs all events" [2]. This perspective, while acknowledging the "many difficulties" and "secret things" of God, implies that even human decisions ultimately fall within God's overarching plan [2]. Similarly, Matthew Henry notes that "divine Providence orders and directs those things which to us are perfectly casual and fortuitous," asserting that "nothing comes to pass by chance" but "every thing by the will and counsel of God" [11]. This view extends to seemingly random events like the casting of lots, which are seen as ultimately determined by God [11].

However, this does not negate human responsibility in decision-making. The Bible frequently calls for individuals to make choices, such as being "on the Lord's side" (Exodus 32:26) or "following God fully" (Numbers 14:24) [3]. John Gill, commenting on Psalm 37:22, states that "the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord," implying divine direction in the believer's conduct, yet this guidance is often understood as inclining individuals to take steps that God then prospers [8]. God's instruction is seen as leading to "discretion" and teaching [4].

It is important to distinguish divine guidance from practices considered divination. Divination, as defined by Smith's Bible Dictionary, involves "foretelling future events, or discovering things secret by the aid of superior beings, or other than human means," and is often associated in Scripture with "false systems of ascertaining the divine will" [1]. Biblical examples of divination include using rods, arrows, or cups, and consulting teraphim [1]. These practices are distinct from seeking God's will through prayer, Scripture, and wise counsel.

The wisdom of God, which governs the world, is presented as distinct from human understanding [6]. While humans cannot fully grasp this divine wisdom, the aspect that relates to humanity is revealed [6]. Calvin suggests that God's "consultation" in the creation of humanity signifies the high honor bestowed upon humans, implying a thoughtful engagement in their design and purpose [9]. This suggests that God's guidance is not arbitrary but purposeful, reflecting His wisdom and care for humanity.

Sources

  1. Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Divination — is a "foretelling future events, or discovering things secret by the aid of superior beings, or other than human means." It is used in Scripture of false systems of ascertaining the divine will. It has been universal in all ages, and all nations alike civilized and savage. Numerous forms of divination are mentioned, such as divination by rods, (Hosea 4:12) divination by arrows, (Ezekiel 21:21) divination by cups, (Genesis 44:5) consultation of teraphim, (1 Samuel 15:23; Ezekiel 21:21; Zechariah 10:2) [[442]Teraphim]; divination by the liver, (Ezekiel 21:2”
  2. Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Predestination — This word is properly used only with reference to God's plan or purpose of salvation. The Greek word rendered "predestinate" is found only in these six passages, Acts 4:28; Rom. 8:29, 30; 1 Cor. 2:7; Eph. 1:5, 11; and in all of them it has the same meaning. They teach that the eternal, sovereign, immutable, and unconditional decree or "determinate purpose" of God governs all events. This doctrine of predestination or election is beset with many difficulties. It belongs to the "secret things" of God. But if we take the revealed word of God as our guid”
  3. 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”
  4. Isaiah “Isaiah 28:26 (Geneva1599) — For his God doeth instruct him to haue discretion, and doeth teach him.”
  5. Genesis (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Genesis 24:12: And he said, O Lord God, etc. - "The conduct of this servant," says Dr. Dodd, "appears no less pious than rational. By supplicating for a sign, he acknowledges God to be the great superintendent and director of the universe, and of that event in particular; and at the same time, by asking a natural sign, such as betokened humanity, condescension, and other qualities which promised a discreet and virtuous wife, he puts his prayer upon such a discreet, rational footing, as to be a proper example for all to imitate who would not tempt the providence of God, by expect”
  6. Job (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Job 28:12: Can man discover the Divine Wisdom by which the world is governed, as he can the treasures hidden in the earth? Certainly not. Divine Wisdom is conceived as a person (Job 28:12-27) distinct from God (Job 28:23; also in Pro 8:23, Pro 8:27). The Almighty Word, Jesus Christ, we know now, is that Wisdom. The order of the world was originated and is maintained by the breathing forth (Spirit) of Wisdom, unfathomable and unpurchasable by man. In Job 28:28, the only aspect of it, which relates to, and may be understood by, man, is stated. understanding--insigh”
  7. CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, section 25.2: be a hinderance in the way of their cheerfully making progress, and allowing what had been begun in them to receive an additional polish. But what knowledge does he desire in their behalf? The knowledge of the divine will , by which expression he sets aside all inventions of men, and all speculations that are at variance with the word of God. For his will is not to be sought anywhere else than in his word. He adds — in all wisdom; by which he intimates that the will of God, of which he had made mention, was the onl”
  8. Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 37:22: The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord,.... Or "of a man" (w); such a man as is blessed of the Lord; the steps which he takes in life are ordered by the Lord, both with respect to things temporal and spiritual: his good conduct is not of himself, it is a blessing of the Lord, who directs and keeps the feet of his saints, and inclines them to take such steps, and pursue such methods, which he succeeds and prospers; and he delighteth in his way; which he knows and approves of, guides and directs him in; see Psa 1:6. (w) "hominis", Pagninus, Montanus, &c.”
  9. CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 1 (Gen 1-23), section 5.29: has been introduced simply as commanding ; now, when he approaches the most excellent of all his works, he enters into consultation . God certainly might here command by his bare word what he wished to be done: but he chose to give this tribute to the excellency of man, that he would, in a manner, enter into consultation concerning his creation. This is the highest honor with which he has dignified us; to a due regard for which, Moses, by this mode of speaking would excite our minds. For God is not now first beginning to consider ”
  10. Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 32:8: I will instruct thee,.... Or "cause thee to understand" (q). These are by many thought to be the words of the Lord, who gives to a man an understanding of spiritual things; he instructs by his providence, and even by afflictive dispensations of providence; and by his word, which is written for the learning of men, and is profitable for doctrine and instruction in righteousness, and by the ministers of it, who are therefore called instructors in Christ; and by his Spirit, when he instructs effectually and to purpose; by him he instructs men in the knowledge of themselv”
  11. Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 16:33: Note, 1. The divine Providence orders and directs those things which to us are perfectly casual and fortuitous. Nothing comes to pass by chance, nor is an event determined by a blind fortune, but every thing by the will and counsel of God. What man has neither eye nor hand in God is intimately concerned in. 2. When solemn appeals are made to Providence by the casting of lots, for the deciding of that matter of moment which could not otherwise be at all, or not so well, decided, God must be eyed in it, by prayer, that it may be disposed aright (Give a perfect lo”
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