How does Judges 19:11 highlight the importance of wise decision-making? Snapshot of the Verse “When they were near Jebus and the day was almost gone, the servant said to his master, ‘Please, let us turn aside into this city of the Jebusites and spend the night here.’” (Judges 19:11) What Happens Next: The Aftermath of One Decision • The master refuses the servant’s counsel and presses on to Gibeah, an Israelite town (vv. 12–15). • Instead of safety, they encounter shocking wickedness, leading to the concubine’s death (vv. 22–29). • Israel plunges into civil war (Judges 20), illustrating how one choice can ripple into national crisis. Timeless Principles About Wise Choices • Seek godly counsel — the servant offers a caution, yet the master ignores it (cf. Proverbs 12:15; 15:22). • Evaluate environments — staying among pagans may have seemed risky, but presuming safety solely because people share our identity can be naïve (1 Corinthians 15:33). • Consider timing — “the day was almost gone”; fatigue often clouds judgment (Mark 6:31). • Weigh consequences — small decisions can carry life-altering results (Galatians 6:7-8). Companion Scriptures on Making Godly Decisions • Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… and He will make your paths straight.” • Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” • James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God… and it will be given to him.” • Proverbs 13:20: “He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” Putting It into Practice • Pause before pressing on — build margins into schedules so fatigue doesn’t dictate choices. • Invite input — listen to family, friends, pastors, and especially Scripture before deciding. • Pray for discernment daily — wisdom is a gift God gladly supplies. • Assess potential outcomes — ask, “Where could this road lead in a month… a year… a decade?” • Remember that faithfulness in small decisions guards us from greater harm and positions us to bless others. |
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