Making decisions with wisdom

Proverbs 16:1-4, 9, 25, 33 ESV

The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord .  
All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit.  
Commit your work to the Lord , and your plans will be established.  
The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.  

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. 

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.  

The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord .

Proverbs 19:21 ESV

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

Proverbs 21:5 ESV

The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.

Proverbs 27:1 ESV

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.

Romans 12:1-2 ESV

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Rev. Dan Whang

We often goes through times of darkness and light, but see no meaning to it. God knows but we may not know in the midst of trouble. How then can we act decide wisely?

Two extremes in decision making

Under-spiritualized frantic planner

They tend to plan and worry, but there isn't much prayer. They want to take control of their lives, but the word says this is not within our control. God is in control. We cannot predict tomorrow.

Over-spiritualized passive waiting

We pray but don't act. We wait for some sign from God. Fleeces, clouds in the sky, etc.

God's will should be seen this way:

Sovereign Will - creation
Moral Will - God's will for hour we should live our lives
Will of Direction - God's will for our lives

Views on God's will

Traditional: pray, read scripture, and observe our circumstances. God will give us peace about the right choice.

Traditional Charismatic: in addition to scripture, God can directly speak to us and guide us.

Wisdom: God's purpose is secret. Read scripture, observe our circumstances, and surrender our lives to him. Focus on acting as God desires rather than expecting to know His will.

Christ is our wisdom

We are natural fools. But Christ is our wisdom. He brings us to repentance and to new life.

Application

Commit completely to following Christ
Fully place our lives into his hands. Seek his kingdom rather than our own desires.

Store up God's commands. (Consistently and diligently.)

Turn your ear to wisdom (find good counsel and be teachable)

Call out for insight. (Pray for God's help)

Wisdom is there to grow our faith and help us become closer to God.