WISDOM IN DECISION MAKING

Proverbs 8:1-4 Does not wisdom call? Does not understanding raise her voice? On the heights beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her stand; beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud: “To you, O men, I call, and my cry is to the children of man.
Every human being makes decision regarding his life in one way or another. Whether we like or not we are required to make decision in regard to our career, families, work, marriage, education, future etc. A large number of people today are suffering because of the decision they made in their past. For us not feel guilt of our decisions we have got to involve wisdom to guide us. There might be various decision making skills in academic fields, but I argue you today to begin using wisdom in decision making. Involving wisdom in decision making is the decision you won’t regret for sure.
What is Wisdom?
From Wisdom from Biblical perspective implies God’s knowledge/understanding that enables his people in making sound judgment, enables them to know how to act, thus giving them ability to be wise in mind, word or act.
Why seek and use wisdom in decision making?

• The whole truth is in wisdom

Proverbs 8:7 ‘for my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips’
For wisdom to guide us in decision making, we have to pursue and accept the truth that has been revealed through him. Since he has and he knows the whole he will get you to know what is right from what is wrong.  
Let us have a look of some scriptures:
The Bible says in Proverbs 8:6‘Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right‘.  In Psalm 32:8 the Bible says ‘I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you’. On the other handProverbs 8:10 says ‘Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold’. Finally in Deuteronomy 4:6 it says ‘Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.
Thus going through the above verses it is obvious that the truth of wisdom is hidden in his instructions. Yes, it is his instructions that will lead/guide you in decision making. Thus it is therefore our responsibility to obey and follow his instructions for best decisions and choices in our life.

• He has all the qualities/requirements of being the best Advisor.

Thus be it experience, be it strength, be it knowledge, counsel, insight etc. it is in him, and that is why we are also called to use him today. Since the ruler and kings depend on him (Proverbs 8:15-16), why not you today? Give him chance, trust him, allow him to lead your life, he will not put you to shame nor fail you.
Indeed he is the right person to help us in decision making. Listen to what the Bible says in Proverbs 8:22- 23 “The LORD possessed me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of old. Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth. When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no springs abounding with water.
Proverbs 8:20 ‘I walk the way of righteousness; I follow the paths of justice’
Proverbs 8:14 ‘I make plans and carry them out. I have understanding, and I am strong (GNB).
Proverbs 8:14 ‘I have counsel and sound wisdom; I have insight; I have strength’
Counsel means – advice, plan or purpose. Sound Wisdom means – Support or ability, direct help, an undertaking in purpose, Understanding means – perfect knowledge

Let us have a look of some Biblical examples on wisdom:  
Joseph – The Bible says “Now you should choose some man with wisdom and insight and put him Choose them because only God’s wisdom help and give good guidance’ (Genesis 41:33). This was Joseph advice to Pharaoh after interpreting the dream. His advice to the king made him both a prime minister of Egypt and blessings to a multitude of Nations.
Daniel  –  The Bible says ‘To  you, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, for you have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of you, for you have made known to us the king’s matter (Daniel 2:23). This is Daniel thanksgiving prayer after receiving God’s guidance through wisdom; it was wisdom that rescued Daniel and his friend from death.
Poor man’s wisdom – ‘There was a little city with few men in it, and a great king came against it and besieged it, building great siegeworks against it. But there was found in it a poor, wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that poor man. But I say that wisdom is better than might, though the poor man’s wisdom is despised and his words are not heard (Ecclesiastes 9:14-16)
In Proverbs 8:17 ‘I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me’. Thus for the church to make wise decisions, it needs a discipline of seeking wisdom for guidance. Indeed the church should involve the Holy Spirit in decision making regarding God’s purpose in your life. Indeed you need wisdom at the crossroads, He is there for you, let us seek him diligently.

Grace be with you and May God bless you!