Bible Verses for Difficult Decisions

Asking for wisdom

Start here — before the pros and cons list.

• "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

  James 1:5

  "Upbraideth not" — God doesn't scold you for not knowing. Asking is welcomed, not tolerated.

• "Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day."

  Psalm 25:4-5

  A prayer you can borrow word for word. Notice it ends in waiting — discernment often takes longer than we'd like.

• "And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God."

  Luke 6:12

  The next morning, Jesus chose his twelve apostles. If he brought a big decision to prayer first, we can too.

• "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."

  Philippians 4:6

  "Every thing" includes the decision in front of you. Tell God plainly what you're weighing and what you're afraid of.

Choosing and trusting

For when it's time to actually decide.

• "Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established."

  Proverbs 15:22

  Wisdom is often shared. Talk it through with one or two people who love God and love you.

• "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

  Romans 12:2

  Discernment grows from a renewed mind more than a perfect formula. The closer you walk with God, the clearer his ways become.

• "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"

  Micah 6:8

  A useful test for any option: which path lets me act justly, love mercy, and stay humble before God?

• "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps."

  Proverbs 16:9

  You plan; God directs. Even an imperfect choice made in good faith is not beyond his steering.

• "Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass."

  Psalm 37:5

  Once you've prayed, sought counsel and chosen, hand the outcome back. You're responsible for faithfulness, not for controlling every result.

Questions people ask