Topical Bible: Decision Making

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Introduction:
Decision making is a critical aspect of human life, reflecting one's values, beliefs, and priorities. In the Bible, decision making is often portrayed as a process that requires wisdom, discernment, and reliance on God's guidance. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that illustrate the importance of making decisions that align with God's will.

Biblical Principles of Decision Making:

1. Seeking God's Guidance:
The Bible emphasizes the importance of seeking divine guidance in decision making. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This passage underscores the necessity of relying on God rather than solely on human wisdom.

2. Prayer and Discernment:
Prayer is a fundamental aspect of decision making in the biblical context. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages believers, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Through prayer, individuals can seek clarity and peace in their decisions.

3. Wisdom and Understanding:
The pursuit of wisdom is a recurring theme in the Bible. James 1:5 states, "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." Wisdom is portrayed as a divine gift that aids in making sound decisions.

4. Counsel and Community:
The Bible also highlights the value of seeking counsel from others. Proverbs 15:22 notes, "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." Engaging with a community of believers can provide diverse perspectives and insights that contribute to better decision making.

5. Obedience to God's Commands:
Decisions should be consistent with God's commandments and teachings. Deuteronomy 30:19-20 presents a choice between life and death, urging obedience to God's laws: "I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, so that you and your descendants may live, and that you may love the LORD your God, obey Him, and hold fast to Him."

Examples of Decision Making in the Bible:

1. Solomon's Request for Wisdom:
When Solomon became king, he asked God for wisdom to govern the people effectively. 1 Kings 3:9 records his request: "Give Your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil." Solomon's decision to seek wisdom pleased God, who granted him unparalleled understanding.

2. Joshua's Choice to Serve the Lord:
Joshua challenged the Israelites to choose whom they would serve, declaring his own commitment in Joshua 24:15 : "But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." This decision set a standard for the nation and emphasized the importance of choosing to follow God.

3. Paul's Missionary Journeys:
The Apostle Paul made numerous decisions regarding his missionary work, often guided by the Holy Spirit. Acts 16:6-10 describes how Paul and his companions were directed by the Spirit to go to Macedonia, illustrating the role of divine guidance in decision making.

Conclusion:
The Bible provides a comprehensive framework for decision making, emphasizing the need for divine guidance, prayer, wisdom, and obedience. Through biblical examples and teachings, believers are encouraged to make decisions that honor God and reflect His will.

Topical Bible Verses

James 1:5
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraides not; and it shall be given him.
Topicalbible.org

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not to your own understanding.
Topicalbible.org

Proverbs 3:6
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.
Topicalbible.org

Greek

2919. krino -- to judge, decide
... 2919 -- properly, to separate (distinguish), ie judge; come to a (decision, judgment)
by making a -- either positive (a verdict in favor of) or negative (which ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2919.htm - 11k

265. hamartema -- a sin
... [265 () emphasizes the consequences of making any decision (action) by
rather than of faith ("God's inworked ," cf. Ro 14:23).]. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/265.htm - 7k

3050. logikos -- reasonable, rational
... in making acceptable to the Lord -- each of which is to eternity when done in faith
("divine "). These produce a "seamless" life in which decision (action) can ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3050.htm - 7k

Library

Making and Breaking Connections.
... increasing manifestation of the Spirit's presence from the time of that first decision. ...
with so many of us the connections have been broken, making a fresh act ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on power/making and breaking connections.htm

Of the Power of Making Laws. The Cruelty of the Pope and his ...
... OF THE POWER OF MAKING LAWS. ... 21. An argument in favour of traditions founded on the
decision of the Apostles and elders at Jerusalem. This decision explained. ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 10 of the power.htm

G. Jesus Before Pilate. Ch. 23:1-25
... Then Pilate did what all weak men are apt to do: he attempted to avoid making a
decision; he tried to shift the responsibility; he learned that Jesus was from ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/g jesus before pilate ch.htm

John xix. 16-18
... Him up as worthless, and attempted to confirm this sentence by making Him share ...
arrogance." Still Pilate was not turned aside, but stood to his first decision. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxxxv john xix 16-18.htm

Whether Contrition, Confession, and Satisfaction are Fittingly ...
... justice the atonement is made according to the judge's decision, and not ... of friendship,
which is accomplished by the offender making atonement according to the ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether contrition confession and satisfaction.htm

The Kingdom of God and Your Part in It
... These cities are making the people that are living in them. ... The third thing is, take
the advice of a wise friend, but do not regard his decision as final. ...
/.../stones rolled away and other addresses to young men/vi the kingdom of god.htm

A Corps Commander
... were posted about the hall, and, at a given signal in the prayer meeting, moved
amongst the unsaved and urged them to decision. Soldier-making was Adjutant ...
/.../carpenter/the angel adjutant of twice born men/v a corps commander.htm

"But they are Gods to Us," You Say. ...
... as we have already shown, every god depended on the decision of the ... a domestic authority
over, pledging them, selling them, changing them"making sometimes a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/apology/chapter xiii but they are.htm

Others of whom Dionysius Gives an Account.
... Or, shall we declare their decision unrighteous, and set ourselves as judges of ... order?"
[2104] These words Dionysius very properly added when making mention of ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xlii others of whom dionysius.htm

Practical Effects of Practical Truth
... decide as to your career. I shall, however, insist upon one thing: that
you take a good vacation before making your final decision. ...
/.../chapter ix practical effects of.htm