Making decisions in light of Proverbs 21:5

 

Making decisions is something we all do many times during each day.  Some are easy such as whether to wear a coat when you go outside on a cold day but some are more difficult.  How are we to know what to do when we're faced with harder ones?  I think that the first step would be to consult scripture.  Does God give us any clear direction?  We need to follow God and His word first and foremost.   If the scriptures are silent on an issue that comes up in your life, Proverbs 12:5 gives us some advice.  It says: "The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty".  I think it says not to make hasty decisions.  There is an old saying "haste makes waste" and I think that is true.    I know that sometimes we must make hasty decisions such as whether or not an injured child needs to see a doctor or if the injury is treatable at home. Driving a car also requires hasty decisions such as whether to put on the brakes or change lanes if there is danger ahead or a slow vehicle ahead of you.  Sometimes I need to make a hasty decision as to what to cook for supper.    Sometimes we have to make huge decisions such as selling a house or purchasing a car.  Betsy and Ryan just went through a time of decision making concerning their desire to move to Louisville and attend seminary.  I think that in those times, we need to just slow down and take a look at the "big picture."  Dan and I recently decided to replace some windows in our home.  We had several different companies come out to give us estimates and hear their recommendations.  We didn't go with the first company that came.  Instead we took a step back and took a look at everything we could choose from and then made our decision.   So, the next time you need to make a decision where the scripture is silent and you have time to make a choice, please remember the wisdom of Proverbs 21:5.  Take a step back and make a rational decision instead of a hasty one.  I think you will be glad you did.