Have you ever made a bad decision that messed up a lot of things in your life? We all have. The good news is that the Bible offers wisdom to help us make better decisions. When we understand how to access God's wisdom, we can navigate life's choices with greater confidence and better outcomes.

What Is Wisdom According to the Bible?

In Proverbs 4, we're told that "wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom." But what exactly is wisdom? In ancient times, there were two primary approaches to wisdom:

• The Greek approach: Viewed wisdom as intellectual knowledge, segmented by topic, and gained through learning

• The Jewish approach: Saw wisdom not as head knowledge but as a disposition of the heart—a response to God's voice

For Jews, wisdom wasn't just topical information but was personified. That's why Proverbs often refers to wisdom as "she" who "raises her voice" or "calls out."

We need God’s wisdom because we're simply not good guides for ourselves. Jesus didn't invite us to higher learning but to a better way of living. In Matthew 4:19, Jesus said, "Come, follow me and I will show you." Jesus wants a personal relationship with us. He truly came to give us abundant life but we need His guidance to navigate this life and to walk in the abundance He has in mind for us. 

There are several reasons we make poor decisions when left to our own devices:

• We follow our intentions instead of making wise decisions. Our intentions are often good, but our decisions determine our destiny. Many people never intended to end up in debt, divorce, or addiction—but their daily decisions led them there.

• We tend to follow the herd. Like zebras crossing a crocodile-infested river, we often follow others without questioning where they're leading us. We upgrade because others upgrade. We sign our kids up for activities because others do. We follow people who are in the same season of life as us, which is like following directions from someone who's never been where we want to go.

• We follow our feelings. "Follow your heart" sounds poetic, but our hearts often lead us to places we'd rather not be. Jeremiah 17:9 warns that "the human heart is the most deceitful of all things and desperately wicked." Our hearts don't simply lie to us—they deceive us, making us think we're headed in the right direction while leading us astray.

Since wisdom is the principal thing, how can we access God's wisdom for our decisions? If we want to walk in wisdom for our decisions, here are three key principles:

1. Be Consistent

God has given us two things to help us live a godly life:

• The Bible (principles and scriptures)

• The Holy Spirit (peace and guidance)

The Bible provides the framework for decision-making. While it may not tell you exactly who to date or which job to take, it gives you principles to guide those choices. Then, the Holy Spirit helps you discern the direction to take through His peace. As you mature spiritually, your ability to discern God's will becomes quicker. It's like learning to walk—at first, it's slow and deliberate, but eventually, you can run.

2. Be Intentional to Walk with God's People

Proverbs 13:20 says, "Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble." The wisdom you enjoy in life is directly tied to the people you engage with. Faith is contagious. Decision making is contagious. You will become like the five people you spend the most time with. While family, friends, and colleagues are important relationships, they may not be sufficient for making you wise. You need to broaden your relationships to include people who can advise you, challenge you, and make you better—people who are further along than you are on the road you are meant to take.

Proverbs 20:5 tells us that "good advice lies deep within the heart; a person with understanding will draw it out." Inside each of us is a well of wisdom, but that well is useless unless someone drops a bucket in it. This is why small groups and church community are so important—they help you draw out what God has already deposited in others.

3. Be Flexible to Walk Out God's Plan

Wise people dream, aspire, and plan, but most importantly, they remain flexible to the leading of God's Spirit. One of the best definitions of success and living your best life is following God's plan for your life. According to Psalm 139:13-16, God knew you before you were born, and every day of your life was recorded in His book before a single day had passed. You are not an accident. You are here on purpose, for a purpose, for God's purpose. And because God exists outside of time, He can see your past and future simultaneously. Only He can guide you to your destiny because He's already been there.

The goal of decision-making isn't to choose your preferences but to discover God's plan. You don't want to work where you choose to work—you want to work where God chooses for you to work because that's where His favor will be. 

If you need wisdom for a decision you're facing, remember that wisdom isn't hidden from you—it's available to you. James 1:5 tells us that if we lack wisdom, we should ask God, who gives generously. Remember, just one word of wisdom from heaven could solve a problem you've wrestled with for years. One moment of divine direction could unlock a destiny that's been on hold. Ask God for wisdom, trust Him with your decisions, and He will direct your path.