Seeking God's Wisdom in Decision Making
Seeking God's Wisdom in Decision Making
Seeking God's wisdom is a biblical principle that guides decision-making for believers. The book of Ecclesiastes introduces this concept, where the Preacher reflects on his quest for wisdom, stating, "I applied my mind to seek and to search by wisdom all that is done under the heavens" [1]. This pursuit of wisdom is not merely intellectual but involves a deep-seated desire to understand God's will.
The biblical basis for seeking God's wisdom in decision-making is rooted in various passages. For instance, the Psalmist prays, "Search me, God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts" [3]. This introspective prayer acknowledges God's omniscience and invites Him to guide one's thoughts and decisions. Similarly, the apostle Paul exhorts believers to "try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord" [2]. This involves a deliberate effort to discern God's will, rather than following personal inclinations or worldly wisdom.
In the wisdom literature of the Bible, particularly in Proverbs, the fear of the Lord is emphasized as the beginning of wisdom [5]. This fear is not about being afraid but rather about revering God and desiring to please Him. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight" [5]. This reverence for God is linked to making decisions that are pleasing to Him.
Different Christian traditions interpret the concept of seeking God's wisdom in decision-making in various ways. Some emphasize the role of prayer and seeking guidance from Scripture, while others highlight the importance of using one's God-given reasoning abilities to make informed decisions. For example, John Gill comments on Proverbs 19:20, emphasizing the need to "hear counsel, and receive instruction" from God's word to be wise [4]. This underscores the importance of biblical guidance in the decision-making process.
The biblical concept of seeking God's wisdom is also tied to the idea of sanctifying God in one's heart, as seen in Isaiah 8:13, where it is written, "Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread" [6]. This involves prioritizing God's will above all else and trusting in His sovereignty over all circumstances.
Sources
- Ecclesiastes “Ecclesiastes 1:13 (LEB) — I applied my mind to seek and to search by wisdom all that is done under the heavens. It is a grievous task God has given to ⌞humans⌟.”
- Ephesians “Ephesians 5:10 (NASB) — trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.”
- Psalms “Search me, God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts. -- Psalms 139:23”
- 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”
- Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 9:10: 9:10-12 Fear of the Lord: See study note on 1:7.”
- 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.”