Decisions That Keep You Up at Night

“What are you going to do?” How many times have you asked yourself that when you are about to make a decision that has a major impact on your life? Perhaps you’re uncertain and worried right now about a big decision. Should you make a first-time offer on a house that is going to push your budget to the limit? Should you take a better paying job that’s going to require more time being away from your family? Do you take the car keys away from your elderly mom who’s showing early signs of dementia but is adamant she’s fine? You’ve done your homework and gotten some good advice from people you trust, but now what you need is wisdom, not more information. So where do you find wisdom? 

My first thought about wisdom is of Solomon, who was probably only around twenty years old when he took the throne from his father, King David. Suddenly, all the weight to reign over this great nation was on Solomon’s shoulders. God appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, “Ask for whatever you want Me to give you” (1 Kings 3:5). Surprisingly, he didn’t ask for fame, riches, or a larger kingdom, but he answered, “God, what I need is Your wisdom to rule Your people. I need an understanding heart to make the right decisions.” God was so pleased with his answer that He not only gave Solomon wisdom, but He gave him power, influence, and great riches. 

Just as Solomon needed wisdom, we need wisdom. Solomon says we are to “search for it as for hidden treasure…For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright” (Proverbs 2:4–7). Wisdom comes by understanding and the knowledge of God and applying it to our life. You can have stacks of information and even know God’s Word, but if you don’t apply it, it’s not going to do you any good. 

The Scripture says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5). We are to ask God to give us wisdom so we have an understanding heart to make right decisions. And one of the best places to find wisdom is the book of Proverbs, which was written by Solomon. It’s a book that’s full of wise counsel and life lessons, simple in its form, easy to grasp, and easy to apply. That’s what wisdom is—a simple revelation from God that we can apply to our everyday lives. 

Ask God for wisdom and read the book of Proverbs. Read it, reread it, apply it, and reapply it. It is filled with powerful nuggets of wisdom for your life.