Influence of the Doctrine of Providence on Decision Making
The doctrine of divine providence asserts that God preserves and governs all things through secondary causes [1]. This understanding significantly influences decision-making by emphasizing God's overarching control, even in matters that appear random or human-driven.
Providence extends to the natural world, animal creation, and the affairs of humanity, including the actions of individuals and even their free choices [1]. For instance, the casting of lots, which might seem purely accidental, is understood to be directed by divine providence, with the outcome determined by God's will and counsel [2]. This perspective suggests that nothing occurs by chance or blind fortune [2].
The belief in providence encourages individuals to acknowledge God's involvement in their plans and endeavors. James 4:13-15, for example, is cited to illustrate that individuals should preface their plans with "If the Lord wills" [1]. This does not negate human agency but rather places it within the context of divine sovereignty. John Gill, commenting on Ecclesiastes, notes that Solomon diligently considered the "work of Providence" and the difficulty of fully comprehending its reasons [4, 5].
In practical decision-making, the doctrine of providence can foster both humility and confidence. It promotes humility by reminding individuals that their efforts are ultimately subject to God's plan [2]. At the same time, it can instill confidence, as believers trust that God is actively working in their lives and circumstances, even when events are perplexing [3]. Adam Clarke, in his commentary on Acts, highlights an "admirable display of the economy of Providence" in the parallel experiences of Peter and Cornelius, where divine guidance orchestrates their meeting despite initial doubts and perplexities [3]. This suggests that God can prepare individuals and circumstances to align with His purposes [3].
The doctrine also implies that God uses diverse individuals and situations, even those seemingly contrary to one another, to achieve His providential designs [6]. This perspective can influence how believers view interactions and societal structures, recognizing God's hand in various human conditions and relationships [6]. While God's providential control is comprehensive, some traditions emphasize the "contingency of events," suggesting that human repentance and actions can influence outcomes, even when events are "positively predicted" [7]. This highlights a dynamic interplay between divine will and human responsibility in decision-making.
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Providence — Literally means foresight, but is generally used to denote God's preserving and governing all things by means of second causes (Ps. 18:35; 63:8; Acts 17:28; Col. 1:17; Heb. 1:3). God's providence extends to the natural world (Ps. 104:14; 135:5-7; Acts 14:17), the brute creation (Ps. 104:21-29; Matt. 6:26; 10:29), and the affairs of men (1 Chr. 16:31; Ps. 47:7; Prov. 21:1; Job 12:23; Dan. 2:21; 4:25), and of individuals (1 Sam. 2:6; Ps. 18:30; Luke 1:53; James 4:13-15). It extends also to the free actions of men (Ex. 12:36; 1 Sam. 24:9-15; Ps. 33:14, 15; ”
- 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”
- Acts (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Acts 10:17: While Peter doubted - the men - stood before the gate - In all this we find an admirable display of the economy of Providence. Cornelius prays, and has a vision which prepares him to receive instruction from Peter: Peter prays, and has a vision which prepares and disposes him to give instruction to Cornelius. While he is in doubts and perplexity what the full meaning of the vision might be, the messengers, who had been despatched under the guidance of an especial Providence, came to the door; and the Holy Spirit gives him information that his doubts should be all cle”
- Ecclesiastes (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Ecclesiastes 9:1: For all this I considered in mine heart,.... What goes before, in the latter end of the preceding chapter, concerning the various providences of God, the difficulty of finding out the reasons of them, and the fruitlessness of attempting it; and also what follows, the work of Providence: Solomon gave his mind unto, attended it with great application, and strictly considered and examined it, in order to find it out, but could not; and if he could not, no other man could. And he had a good intention in all; his views were, even to declare all this; for the end of ”
- Ecclesiastes (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Ecclesiastes 8:16: When I applied mine heart to know wisdom,.... The nature and causes of things; the wisdom of God in his providence, and the grounds and reasons of his various dispensations towards the children of men: the Targum interprets it, the wisdom of the law; and to see the business that is done upon the earth; either the business of Providence, in dealing so unequally with the righteous and the wicked, before observed; and which is a business very afflictive and distressing for curious persons to look into, not being able to account for it: or the labour and toil of m”
- Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 29:13: This shows how wisely the great God serves the designs of his providence by persons of very different tempers, capacities, and conditions in the world, even, 1. By those that are contrary the one to the other. Some are poor and forced to borrow; others are rich, have a great deal of the mammon of unrighteousness (deceitful riches they are called), and they are creditors, or usurers, as it is in the margin. Some are poor, and honest, and laborious; others are rich, slothful, and deceitful. They meet together in the business of this world, and have dealings with ”
- Hosea (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Hosea 14:1: O Israel, return unto the Lord - These words may be considered as addressed to the people now in captivity; suffering much, but having still much more to suffer if they did not repent. But it seems all these evils might yet be prevented, though so positively predicted, if the people would repent and return; and the very exhortation to this repentance shows that they still had power to repent, and that God was ready to save them and avert all these evils. All this is easily accounted for on the doctrine of the contingency of events, i.e., the poising a multitude of ev”