How to Know Which Way to Go--With Confidence!

This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. You can see our full disclosure policy here.

Generally, we all want to make “wise choices”–decisions that will help us get where we want to go in life, rather than taking us in the opposite direction. Whatever it is we’re trying to get out of life, we don’t intentionally sabotage our own efforts by making foolish decisions. But sometimes the wise decision seems elusive. How do you make wise choices when you can’t see around the bend in the road? If you can’t see the path between Point A and Point B, and the stretch you’re traveling comes to a Y, how do you know which way to go?

Our culture tells us to “Be confident!” “Grab life by the horns!” “Go after your dreams!” “Don’t settle for less!”

While I agree that sitting on the couch with Facebook and Netflix and a bag of Lindor truffles in your hand won’t get you very far toward accomplishing those big dreams, I do think we need to balance our gang-buster enthusiasm with Scripture.

What does the Bible say?

Proverbs is well-known for the wisdom it contains. After all, its author (Solomon) was the wisest man ever. There are many more verses in Proverbs about wisdom than you’ll want to read through in one brief blog post. However, let’s take a look at a couple.

“Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” (Proverbs 26:12, NET)

That seems to run contrary to the world’s advice, doesn’t it? But then are we to doubt ourselves and remain motionless in our uncertainty? Surely there is a better middle ground.

Proverbs also says, “Blessed is the onewho finds wisdom, and the one who obtains understanding. For her benefit is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than gold. She is more precious than rubies, and none of the things you desire can compare with her.” (Proverbs 3:13-15, NET)

Note that wisdom is personified here. Solomon is not saying that you need to find a woman to find wisdom… However, wisdom is obviously something to be desired!

But what exactly is wisdom? If it’s so desirable, what exactly are we seeking?

Miriam-Webster.com defines “wisdom” this way:

1) knowledge that is gained by having many experiences in life

2) the natural ability to understand things that most other people cannot understand

3) knowledge of what is proper or reasonable: good sense or judgment

Perhaps we could summarize it this way. Knowledge is information; wisdom is appropriately applying that knowledge.

Where or how do we get wisdom?

Where is this wisdom? How do we find the wisdom we need, when we need it? Because becoming wise by the time we’re retired is great, but it doesn’t help raise children when they’re young, right? I need wisdom now, not when I’m old and have lived my whole life to acquire it.

Take heart! James 1:5 says, “But if anyone is deficient in wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without reprimand, and it will be given to him.“ (NET)