What role does wisdom play in decision-making according to Luke 14:28? Setting the Scene • In Luke 14:28, Jesus states, “Which of you, wishing to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost to see if he has the resources to complete it?” • He speaks to a crowd considering the cost of following Him, anchoring the call to discipleship in everyday wisdom. • The verse assumes Scripture’s literal truth: counting costs is not optional; it is a God-endorsed practice for all serious decisions. Literal Understanding of Luke 14:28 • “Sit down” – deliberate pause, not impulsive action. • “Count the cost” – a careful, thoughtful calculation of every resource required. • “See if he has the resources” – an honest appraisal of ability and provision before committing. • Jesus links this process to discipleship, showing wisdom is indispensable in spiritual as well as practical choices. Wisdom Defined in Scripture • Wisdom is skillful, God-honoring living (Proverbs 1:7). • It begins with reverent fear of the LORD and continues with obedience to His Word (Psalm 111:10). • Wisdom is not merely intellect; it is discerning God’s will and acting accordingly (Ephesians 5:15-17). Practical Lessons for Decision-Making • Pause before you proceed – Resist pressure to act hastily; wisdom requires time to sit down and reflect. • Perform an honest assessment – Evaluate finances, abilities, time, and spiritual readiness. – Proverbs 24:3-4: “By wisdom a house is built and by understanding it is established.” • Plan diligently – Proverbs 21:5: “The plans of the diligent bring plenty, as surely as haste leads to poverty.” • Seek God’s counsel – James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” • Count the cost of discipleship – Following Christ may require resources, sacrifices, and priorities that must be acknowledged in advance (Luke 14:33). Additional Biblical Witness • Proverbs 3:5-6: trust God above personal insight while still engaging understanding. • Proverbs 19:2: zeal without knowledge is destructive; wisdom tempers enthusiasm with truth. • Luke 14:31-32: the king calculating war parallels the builder—another reminder that every arena of life demands wise evaluation. Putting Wisdom into Action • Start every major choice—career, marriage, ministry, finances—by “sitting down.” • Line up Scripture’s principles with practical facts; never separate faith from planning. • Invite mature believers to speak into the process (Proverbs 15:22). • Proceed only when the spiritual, emotional, and material costs have been prayerfully reviewed and found attainable with God’s help. Wisdom, then, is the God-given discipline of sober planning and honest self-examination that guards believers from reckless decisions and sets them on a path of faithful, fruitful obedience. |
    |