How can Proverbs 3:7 guide decision-making in challenging situations? Text to Remember “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.” (Proverbs 3:7) Foundational Principles • God’s wisdom outranks human insight. (Isaiah 55:8-9) • Reverence for the Lord is the doorway to knowledge. (Psalm 111:10) • Turning from evil is inseparable from fearing God. (Job 28:28) Practical Steps for Challenging Decisions 1. Pause and acknowledge God’s authority. – Say aloud or in your heart, “This choice belongs to You.” (Proverbs 16:3) 2. Test your motives. – Ask, “Am I leaning on my own cleverness?” (Proverbs 28:26) 3. Submit the options to Scripture. – Compare each path with clear biblical commands. (Psalm 119:105) 4. Invite counsel from mature believers. – “With many counselors there is deliverance.” (Proverbs 11:14) 5. Choose the route that best aligns with holiness. – If a choice tempts toward compromise, reject it. (1 Thessalonians 4:7) Examples from Scripture • Joseph refused adultery with Potiphar’s wife: feared God, fled evil. (Genesis 39:7-12) • Daniel declined the king’s food: trusted divine wisdom over royal pressure. (Daniel 1:8-17) • Early apostles obeyed God over human commands: “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29) Guardrails to Avoid Self-Reliance • Daily time in the Word keeps pride in check. (James 1:21) • Regular confession of sin dismantles self-deception. (1 John 1:9) • Memorizing key verses arms you in the moment of decision. (Psalm 119:11) Encouragement for the Journey • God generously grants wisdom to those who ask. (James 1:5) • No test is beyond His faithful provision. (1 Corinthians 10:13) • Walking in reverent dependence brings “healing to your body and refreshment to your bones.” (Proverbs 3:8) |
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