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Decisions in Times of Change

Wise people think before they act; fools don’t—and even brag about their foolishness. Proverbs 13:16 NLT

I must build a habit of seeking advice from trustworthy people

Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:22 ESV

Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance wage war. Proverbs 20:18 ESV

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. Proverbs 12:15 ESV

My worst decisions are usually isolated decisions

Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. Proverbs 18:1 ESV

A scoffer does not like to be reproved; he will not go to the wise. Proverbs 15:12 ESV

The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence. Proverbs 15:31-33 ESV

My worst decisions are usually emotional decisions

The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps. Prov 14:15 ESV

My worst decisions are usually quick decisions

The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty. Proverbs 21:5 ESV

It is a snare to say rashly, “It is holy,” and to reflect only after making vows. Proverbs 20:25 ESV

One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless. Proverbs 14:16 ESV

My worst decisions are usually decisions I failed to plan for

The sluggard does not plow in the autumn; he will seek at harvest and have nothing. Proverbs 20:4 ESV

Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house. Proverbs 24:27 ESV

I must build a habit of asking God for wisdom

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5 ESV

No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the LORD. The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD. Proverbs 21:30-31 ESV

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand. Proverbs 19:21 ESV

The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it. Proverbs 22:3 ESV

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Take a few moments to slow down, giving God anything that burdens you from the day. As you reflect on the fact that wise decisions occur when you involve others, involve God, and are also willing to change, how would you rate your ‘heart posture’ in these areas? Are there any big decisions you are facing right now? Who in your life can you seek for advice? What obstacles stand in the way of you seeking them out? Ask God to reveal anything in your life that he wants to transform as you are seeking him and others for wisdom. Spend a few extra minutes going over these questions a second time, asking God to open your heart to anything additional that he wants to show you. Write your reflections in the space below, sharing with your group if you feel comfortable.

Discussion Questions

  1. PERSONAL REFLECTION: Begin group time by completing the Personal Reflection Guide, (link found on the top of sermon notes). Use this time to examine your approach to seeking wisdom from God and others. (Tip: playing some soft background music is helpful here!)
  2. REAL WITH SELF: Wise people listen to others who have been where they want to go and are going where they need to go. Who are the people that you need to begin listening to?
  3. REAL WITH GOD: Our view of God can have a major influence on how we approach asking him for wisdom: On a scale from one to ten, with one representing God as ‘detached and distant’, and ten representing God as ‘intimately involved in our lives’, where would you place him? How does that affect your trust in asking him for wisdom?
  4. REAL WITH OTHERS: You don’t get wise advice from people who simply think that your happiness is the goal of life: How comfortable are you with feeling challenged? Who do you have in your life who loves you enough to challenge you?
  5. REAL WITH OTHERS: The worst decisions come when we are either isolated, emotional, rushed, or when we don’t plan. Of those four categories of worst decisions, which one(s) do you find yourself doing most? What results when you do?
  6. TAKE ACTION: As you are faced with decisions this week, practice asking God, “Is this building my kingdom or yours?” How can you build habits of asking God for wisdom this week?