Let there be no doubt about it: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Prov. 9:10) and “there is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD” (Prov. 21:30). Yet, somehow consulting with others also enters into decision-making.
Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance. (Prov. 1:5)
The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice. (Prov. 12:15)
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. (Prov. 15:22)
Wisdom & Discernment Needed in Decision-Making from the Right Source
Obviously we need to seek God FIRST for the wisdom and discernment we need to make the best decisions. And, we need to let Him have the FINAL word about it. In-between there, getting input or advice from others can help us see it from different angles and give us more to pray about. But, who we consult will make a big difference.
Consider the example of Rehoboam, king of Israel, who rejected the wise counsel of the elders who had served his father, King Solomon. Instead, he listened to the bad advice of his friends. It resulted in a split kingdom. (1 Kings 12:6-19)
We must “not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers” (Ps. 1:1-2) to arrive at decisions blessed by God.
Divinely Empowered Sources in Making Discerning and Wise Decisions
Think of the benefit of strategically choosing those with whom we consult when we need to make decisions — like those spiritually empowered with wisdom and discernment, two key ingredients in good decisions.
In addition to the content on this page, the Ministry Handbook: Spiritual Gifts in Use suggests ways people with the gifts of discernment and wisdom help in decision-making. The handbook also looks at 26 other specific tasks a leader must either do or oversee with gifting that best suits those tasks. You’ll also find gifts needed in 16 broad ministry areas under which most of your church ministries should fall.
God has placed people in the Body with spiritual gifting that can help us, as leaders, make the right kinds of decisions. Are we pulling on the resources He has given us to be wise and discerning?
For More, Go To: Resources about Spiritual Gifts
All Posts about Decision-Making:
- Making Decisions That Line Up
- Decision-Making Questions for Lining Up
- If You Find Yourself Making All the Decisions
- Pluses & Minuses of Getting Others Involved in Decision Making
- Who Makes the Final Decision?
- Stifled in Decision-Making?
- Rushed Decisions
- Delayed Decisions
- Derailed Decisions
- Retrofitted Decisions
- Decisions Reveal Faith in God’s Power?
- Decisions You Don’t Have to Be Ashamed to Make
- Decisions Examined at Foot of the Cross
- Making Decisions from a Place of Humility
- Making Wise Decisions
- Making Decisions Void of Legalism
- Foolish Not to Pray
- Wisdom & Discernment Needed
- Decisions from a Renewed Mind
- Equipped for Making Good Decisions
- The Spirit Helps Us Make the Right Decisions, the Right Way
- The Spirit Provides Guidance and Wisdom in Decision-Making
- Decisions Worthy of Bearing His Name
- Strongholds Affecting Decision-Making
- How to Demolish Strongholds So We Make the Best Decisions
- Protection for the Decision-Making Process
- Decisions Made from Our Raised Position
- Setting an Example in Decision Making
- Servanthood Affects Decision Making
- Leader Qualities that Keep Decisions on the Right Track
- Shepherds Make Wise Decisions