We all make countless decisions during a lifetime, and as a whole, they determine whether we live wisely or foolishly. The most important factor is whether or not we seek the Lord’s guidance in our choices. Those who base their decisions on their own reasoning, feelings, and desires, or on other people’s advice will live foolishly because they’ve ignored the only true source of wisdom—almighty God. Too many people forget that choices have consequences. Our culture wants to live in the here and now, without regard for the eventual outcome of their choices. But beginning in the Garden of Eden, God has clearly told us that negative consequences always follow foolish, self-willed decisions. in 1 Corinthians 3:21, it is absolutely useless to worry about who is more powerful or popular, and it is counterproductive to compete against one another as believers. The Lord created us to work together, not to gain advantage over each other. He has given us every good thing we have, and we are to use all of our gifts, resources, and talents to His glory, not our own. In 1 Corinthians 2:14, Satan will do whatever he can to convince people to avoid or stray from the sanctified life God has called us to live. The enemy seeks to convince us that sin doesn’t hurt anyone — and in many cases it is just meaningless fun. He tells us that the desires of our bodies should be gratified because they are natural. However, understand that your natural desires do not necessarily honor the Lord — nor will they satisfy you the way you hope they will. In James 3:16-17, When we envy others, the enemy is successful in shifting our focus away from God and onto our circumstances. We become distracted, prideful, and covetous. Our eyes are fixed on our circumstances and the rights we believe we deserve, and we end up making unwise decisions. This prevents us from enjoying God’s blessings. God’s wisdom leads to harmony and peace, while human reasoning leads to arrogance and dissension. Which of these characterizes your life? You can answer that question by evaluating your relationships. When you fail to seek the Lord, it shows.
1 Corinthians 3:19-23 – (19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness”; 20 and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.” 21 Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours: 22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come—all are yours. 23 And you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.).
1 Corinthians 2:14 – (“But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”).
Hebrews 9:27 – (“And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment”)
James 3:13-17 – (13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct thathis works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but isearthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing arethere. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.)
I. God should have priority in our decision-making process:
Ask yourself: What is the wise thing to do?
There are two types of wisdom: worldly wisdom and godly wisdom.
Scripture teaches us wisdom by illustration.
It is possible to be smart about many things and unwise about others.
II. True wisdom is seeing life from God’s viewpoint and responding on the basis of what He says in His Word:
Those who have no time for the Bible have automatically chosen a foolish lifestyle.
Jesus is omniscient—He has infinite knowledge about everything.
Man’s wisdom is based on what he sees, feels, hears, or thinks.
Those who choose to live apart from God must rely on themselves for their own security.
As we let Jesus live His life through us, He faithfully guides in every decision.
III. Worldly wisdom sees life from man’s perspective:
Some people think happiness is found in position, intellect, talent, and possessions.
James uses three adjectives to describe world wisdom: earthy, natural, and demonic.
IV. What is the wise way?
Never base your decision on what others think is best.
God will provide instructions if we listen and wait.
Earthly wisdom is full of jealousy, selfish ambition, disorder, and evil.
Summary: There are really only two choices in life. We are either living in God’s wisdom or foolishly relying on human understanding. Since we were endowed with God’s gift of free will, we have the option to choose what is wise or what is unwise. The world offers us jealousy, selfish ambition, disorder, and evil; Scripture gives us guidance toward a full and free life. Choose wisely.