Good decision-making requires an understanding of where the lines are between good and bad decisions, ethical and unethical behaviors, moral and immoral choices. We aren’t born knowing what’s right and wrong; we have to learn. Most of the bad decisions we make are the result of not getting advice, getting advice from the wrong person, being in the wrong place or being around the wrong people. God has equipped us with the ability to be great decision-makers and has given us His Word, which is wisdom and life and health. Learning to make good decisions through the wisdom He provides is the difference between living life abundantly and living life with many regrets.

Scriptures
Pr 1:22, 32-33, 9:6, 10:23, 26:11, 13:20, 14:6, 9:7-8; Phil 1:9-11

Verse
“Fools, how long will you love being ignorant? How long will you make fun of wisdom? How long will you hate knowledge?” (Pr 1:22) Fools enjoy doing wrong, but the wise enjoy wisdom. (Pr 10:23) Anyone who makes fun of wisdom will never find it, but knowledge comes easily to those who understand its value. (Pr 14:6)

Thought
Inexperience causes people to make bad decisions. Those who are young and those who have never really grown up hear the warnings but think they know best despite the lines. They just haven’t lived long enough to realize the consequences of ignoring the lines. Indifference also results in bad decisions. The person who just doesn’t care…whatever. They know there’s a line but it doesn’t matter. They don’t care who they hurt, what the outcome or what the cost. This is a dangerous place to be, not only for the person who doesn’t care but also for those around him/her. Then there are the indignant. They have ignored the lines for so long they no longer recognize right and wrong. Their decisions may be the most destructive because they would put themselves in harm’s way to prove that they will not be subject to any form of Biblical wisdom. They are angry mockers of God, His Word and Christians; they do not listen to wisdom. The key to changing a pattern of bad decision-making is to gain “insight!” Through reading and studying God’s Word we gain knowledge and depth of insight. We learn to discern what is good and what is not. Use your God-given potential to become the best decision-maker you can be. Live life on a higher level and experience the best life has to offer.

Questions
Do you know people who are in a destructive pattern of decision-making? Why do people repeat the same mistakes over and over? Who do you consider to be a wise decision-maker? Do you believe that your process for decision-making falls in line with God’s process? If yes, explain. If no, what do you need to do differently? Are the lines between right and wrong clearly marked in your life?

Response
Ask a Christian friend to provide some “truth in love” feedback regarding your decision-making process. When you have a decision to make, work through God’s process. Ask yourself, “What is the most God honoring decision I can make in this situation?” Ask a Christian friend for feedback to be sure you have processed your decision using the lines that God has put in place for your good.

Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for putting lines in my life so that I can live abundantly without regret. Guide me in all my decisions so that I honor your Word. Allow me to rest in the fact that I have done my best in the choices I make. Thank you for your Holy Spirit who lives in me and guides my steps. In Your Holy Name I pray, Amen.