Definition and Importance
Wise decisions are choices made with discernment, understanding, and insight, often guided by divine wisdom. In the biblical context, wisdom is highly valued and is considered a gift from God that leads to righteous living and favorable outcomes. The Bible frequently contrasts wisdom with folly, emphasizing the blessings that accompany wise decisions.

Biblical Foundation
The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings on the importance of making wise decisions. Proverbs, known as the book of wisdom, is replete with guidance on this topic. 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's wisdom rather than human understanding.

Characteristics of Wise Decisions
1. Fear of the Lord: The foundation of wisdom is the fear of the Lord. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Reverence for God leads to wise decision-making.

2. Seeking Counsel: Wise decisions often involve seeking advice from others. Proverbs 15:22 notes, "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." Consulting with godly individuals can provide clarity and perspective.

3. Discernment and Understanding: Wise decisions require discernment and understanding. Proverbs 2:6 declares, "For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding." This divine insight helps distinguish between right and wrong.

4. Patience and Prudence: Wisdom involves patience and careful consideration. Proverbs 19:2 warns, "Even zeal is no good without knowledge, and he who hurries his footsteps misses the mark." Taking time to evaluate options leads to better outcomes.

Examples of Wise Decisions in Scripture
1. Solomon's Request for Wisdom: In 1 Kings 3:9-12 , Solomon asks God for wisdom to govern the people effectively. God grants his request, and Solomon becomes renowned for his wise judgments.

2. Joseph's Management in Egypt: Joseph's wise decision-making during the years of plenty and famine in Egypt (Genesis 41:33-40) saved many lives and demonstrated the value of strategic planning and foresight.

3. Daniel's Resolve: Daniel's decision to remain faithful to God despite the pressures of Babylonian culture (Daniel 1:8) exemplifies wisdom in maintaining integrity and devotion to God's commandments.

Consequences of Wise Decisions
The Bible assures that wise decisions lead to life, prosperity, and peace. Proverbs 3:13-18 extols the virtues of wisdom, stating, "Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold." Wise decisions align with God's will and result in spiritual and often material blessings.

Contrast with Foolish Decisions
In contrast, foolish decisions lead to negative consequences. Proverbs 14:12 warns, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." The Bible consistently highlights the dangers of ignoring wisdom and following one's own misguided inclinations.

Practical Application
Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom through prayer, study of Scripture, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. James 1:5 promises, "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." This assurance invites Christians to pursue wisdom actively as they navigate life's decisions.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.
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Proverbs 12:15
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that listens to counsel is wise.
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1 Peter 1:13-15
Why gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
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1 Timothy 5:8
But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
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3198. yakach -- to decide, adjudge, prove
... reason (2), rebuke (6), rebukes (2), refuted (1), render decisions (2), rendered ...
maintain, plead, reason (together), rebuke, reprove(-r), surely, in any wise. ...
/hebrew/3198.htm - 6k

Paul a Prisoner
... But during the council their views of God's purpose had broadened, and they had
united with their brethren in making wise decisions which made possible the ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 38 paul a prisoner.htm

Following in all Things the Decisions of the Holy Fathers...
... Following in all things the decisions of the holy Fathers, and acknowledging the
canon ... the Council had to deal with a fait accompli, which it was wise at once ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon xxviii following in all.htm

The Disputes of the Faithful to be Settled by the Decisions of the ...
... VI."The Disputes of the Faithful to Be Settled by the Decisions of the Bishop, and
the ... a reproach to be cast upon us, as though we had not "one wise man that ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec vi the disputes of the.htm

A Young Man's Wise Choice Op Wisdom
... Solomon asked it, to guide him in his judicial decisions; and the first case to ... We
cannot be 'wise as serpents' unless we are 'harmless as doves.' The world ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a young mans wise choice.htm

The Letter of the Synod, Relative to Its Decisions: and the ...
... I. Chapter IX."The Letter of the Synod, relative to its Decisions: and the ... all those
who throughout the whole habitable earth are accounted wise, should be ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of scholasticus/chapter ix the letter of the.htm

In the Year of Our Lord 616, which is the Twenty-First Year after ...
... other benefits which he conferred upon his nation in his care for them, he established,
with the help of his council of wise men, judicial decisions, after the ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap v in the year.htm

The Origin and Growth of Law.
... time and energy of the ruler upon whom the welfare of the tribe depended, proposed
a wise plan. He advised that, instead of rendering decisions regarding each ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kent/the making of a nation/study ix the origin and.htm

Conclusion of Our Lord's Discourse. Parables of virgins and ...
... into darkness at the approach of the bridegroom.] 9 But the wise answered, saying ...
exhibited to men more brightly than ever before; for in the decisions of that ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxv conclusion of our lords.htm

Letter clxiv. To Leo Augustus.
... Where is the wise? ... Synod of Chalcedon, which was attended by all the provinces of
the Roman world and obtained universal acceptance for its decisions, and is ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/letter clxiv to leo augustus.htm

Prayer Takes in the Whole Man
... Divine guidance means God so moving and impressing the mind, that we shall make
wise and safe decisions. "The meek will he guide in judgment.". ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/i prayer takes in the.htm

What does the Bible say about the three wise men (Magi)? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that the wise man built his house upon a rock? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16)? | GotQuestions.org

Wise: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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