In what ways can we apply Judges 5:29 to our daily decision-making? Text “Her wise ladies answer her; indeed she keeps telling herself,” (Judges 5:29) Setting the Scene • Deborah’s victory song shifts to Sisera’s mother waiting at the window. • Her attendants soothe her with confident, but false, assurances. • The verse exposes how ungodly counsel and self-talk can blind people to God’s unfolding judgment. Key Truths for Decision-Making • Flattering voices can drown out reality. Sisera’s mother prefers comforting words over hard truth. • Echo chambers form easily. She “keeps telling herself,” repeating the narrative she wants to hear. • Worldly “wisdom” often ignores God’s sovereignty (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:19). • Delayed consequences do not mean absent consequences (cf. 2 Peter 3:9). • A moment of waiting is a moment of testing; faith or self-deception will fill the gap. Guidelines for Choosing Counsel • Seek advisers who fear the Lord, not just soothe the ego (Proverbs 13:20; Proverbs 27:6). • Weigh every suggestion against clear Scripture (Psalm 119:105). • Notice repeated patterns: if advice always affirms sinful desires, it is suspect (2 Timothy 4:3). • Welcome uncomfortable truth; it prevents greater pain later (Proverbs 17:10). Guarding Your Inner Dialogue • Replace “self-telling” with Scripture-telling—speak God’s promises and commands to yourself (Joshua 1:8). • Capture runaway thoughts before they cement into assumptions (2 Corinthians 10:5). • Invite the Spirit to expose hidden motives (Psalm 139:23-24). • Use thanksgiving and confession to re-align your heart daily (Philippians 4:6-8). Everyday Application Steps 1. Pause: When facing a decision, stop long enough to let truth catch up with emotion. 2. Probe: Ask, “Who is advising me, and do they revere God?” 3. Prove: Compare each option with Scripture; what clearly aligns or conflicts? 4. Pray: Seek wisdom from above, not just consensus below (James 1:5). 5. Proceed: Act only when counsel, Word, and Spirit converge in agreement. 6. Persevere: Re-evaluate if new information surfaces; avoid doubling down on error. Supporting Scriptures to Recall • Proverbs 11:14 — “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many counselors.” • Psalm 1:1 — Refusing the counsel of the wicked brings blessing. • Luke 6:39 — “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit?” • James 3:17 — Wisdom from above is “pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy…” Takeaway Judges 5:29 warns that soothing words and self-reinforcing thoughts can fatally warp our choices. Let Scripture-shaped counsel and Spirit-led self-talk direct every decision, so reality and righteousness stay in clear focus. |
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