Wisdom in Decision Making from a Biblical Perspective

Biblical Foundations of Wisdom in Decision Making

The biblical concept of wisdom is deeply intertwined with the idea of making informed, godly decisions. Wisdom is described as a gift from God, available to those who seek it (James 1:5) ^[3]. The book of Proverbs defines wisdom as the ability to discern and apply moral and intellectual principles, stating that "wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom" (Proverbs 4:7) ^[5].

The biblical account of wisdom begins with the attribute of God Himself, described as "perfect" (Job 36:4), "mighty" (Job 36:5), and "universal" (Job 28:24; Da 2:22; Ac 15:18) ^[1]. This divine wisdom is not limited to intellectual understanding but encompasses moral character and a deep reverence for God. The fear of the Lord is considered the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10) ^[10].

Characteristics of Wisdom

Wisdom is characterized by prudence, which involves careful consideration and discernment in decision-making. The biblical text highlights the importance of prudence in the manifestation of God's grace (Ephesians 1:8) ^[11]. Prudence is exemplified by Christ Himself, who demonstrated wisdom in His interactions and teachings (Isaiah 52:13; Matthew 21:24-27; 22:15-21) ^[6].

The wise are described as those who seek God with their hearts (2 Chronicles 15:12) ^[7], keep God's commandments (Nehemiah 10:29), and follow God fully (Numbers 14:24; 32:12; Joshua 14:8). They are not double-minded or halting between two opinions (James 1:8; 1 Kings 18:21) ^[7].

Wisdom in Decision Making

The biblical perspective on wisdom in decision making emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance and counsel. The Psalmist asks God to "teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments" (Psalm 119:66) ^[4]. This request reflects a deep desire to align one's decisions with God's will.

The book of Proverbs provides practical wisdom for decision making, advising individuals to "discern the words of understanding" (Proverbs 1:2) ^[2] and to "look well to their goings" (Proverbs 14:15) ^[6]. The wise are encouraged to understand the ways of God (Hosea 14:9) and to foresee and avoid evil (Proverbs 22:3) ^[6].

Tradition and Interpretation

The Presbyterian and Reformed traditions emphasize the importance of seeking God's wisdom in decision making. According to Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, "seek unto God betimes" (Job 8:5), making it the first and chief anxiety ^[8]. This perspective is echoed in the Baptist/Reformed tradition, where John Gill notes that wisdom "strengtheneth the wise" against extremes and is a defense and guide (Ecclesiastes 7:19) ^[12].

The Protestant academic tradition highlights the role of fearing the Lord in decision making. Tyndale House notes that "fear of the Lord versus fear of people" is a central issue in Isaiah's message (Isaiah 8:11-15) ^[9]. This fear is not about being afraid but about having a deep reverence for God's power and wisdom.

Conclusion

The biblical concept of wisdom in decision making is rooted in a deep reverence for God and a desire to align one's decisions with His will. It involves seeking God's guidance, being prudent, and understanding the ways of God. As the biblical text emphasizes, true wisdom is a gift from God, available to those who seek it with a humble and reverent heart. The various Christian traditions represented in the sources underscore the importance of this wisdom in navigating life's challenges and making decisions that honor God.

Sources

Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Wisdom of God, The — Is one of his attributes -- 1Sa 2:3; Job 9:4. Described as Perfect. -- Job 36:4; 37:16. Mighty. -- Job 36:5. Universal. -- Job 28:24; Da 2:22; Ac 15:18. Infinite. -- Ps 147:5; Ro 11:33. Unsearchable. -- Isa 40:28; Ro 11:33. Wonderful. -- Ps 139:6. Beyond human comprehension. -- Ps 139:6. Incomparable. -- Isa 44:7; Jer 10:7. Underived. -- Job 21:22; Isa 40:14. The gospel contains treasures of -- 1Co 2:7. Wisdom of saints is derived from -- Ezr 7:25. All human wisdom derived from -- Da 2:1. Saints ascribe to him -- Da 2:20. Exhibited in His works. ”
Proverbs “to know wisdom and instruction; to discern the words of understanding; -- Proverbs 1:2”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Wise, wisdom — A moral rather than an intellectual quality. To be "foolish" is to be godless (Ps. 14:1; comp. Judg. 19:23; 2 Sam. 13:13). True wisdom is a gift from God to those who ask it (Job 28:12-28; Prov. 3:13-18; Rom. 1:22; 16:27; 1 Cor. 1:17-21; 2:6-8; James 1:5). "Wisdom" in Prov. 1:20; 8:1; 9:1-5 may be regarded not as a mere personification of the attribute of wisdom, but as a divine person, "Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God" (1 Cor. 1:24). In Matt. 11:19 it is the personified principle of wisdom that is meant.”
Psalms “Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments. -- Psalms 119:66”
Proverbs “Proverbs 4:7 (BSB) — Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding.”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Prudence — Exhibited in the manifestation of God's grace -- Eph 1:8. Exemplified by Christ -- Isa 52:13; Mt 21:24-27; 22:15-21. Intimately connected with wisdom -- Pr 8:12. The wise celebrated for -- Pr 16:21. They who have Get knowledge. -- Pr 18:15. Deal with knowledge. -- Pr 13:16. Look well to their goings. -- Pr 14:15. Understand the ways of God. -- Ho 14:9. Understand their own ways. -- Pr 14:8. Crowned with knowledge. -- Pr 14:18. Not ostentatious of knowledge. -- Pr 12:23. Foresee and avoid evil. -- Pr 22:3. Are preserved by it. -- Pr 2:11. Suppress angry fee”
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”
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).”
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.”
Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 9:10: 9:10-12 Fear of the Lord: See study note on 1:7.”
Ephesians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ephesians 1:8: Rather, "which He made to abound towards us." all wisdom and prudence--"wisdom" in devising the plan of redeeming mankind; "prudence" in executing it by the means, and in making all the necessary arrangements of Providence for that purpose. Paul attributes to the Gospel of God's grace "all" possible "wisdom and prudence," in opposition to the boasts of wisdom and prudence which the unbelieving Jews and heathen philosophers and false apostles arrogated for their teachings. Christ crucified, though esteemed "foolishness" by the world, is "the wisdom ”
Ecclesiastes (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Ecclesiastes 7:19: Wisdom strengtheneth the wise,.... Against such extremes as before mentioned; it is a guard about him, as well as a guide unto him; it is a defence unto him, as before observed, Ecc 7:12; and is better than strength of body, or weapons of war, Ecc 9:16; and a wise man does greater things by it than a strong man with them, and is safer with it than he can be by them. Some understand this of Christ, the Wisdom of God, without whom a good man can do nothing, but all things through him strengthening him; and who being a strong tower and place of refuge to him, he is”

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