To make wise decisions that please Jehovah, we should gather facts, consider His thinking, and weigh our options, ensuring our choices benefit us, our families, and our worship. This article explores these steps and how to train our discernment to make sound decisions.

___________________________________________________________________________

MAKE DECISIONS THAT PLEASE JEHOVAH

“The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Most Holy One is understanding.” - Proverbs 9:10.

___________________________________________________________________________

HOW TO MAKE WISE DECISIONS

• Every day, we make decisions—some easy, like what to eat, and others more challenging, impacting health, happiness, family, or worship.
• Above all, our decisions should please Jehovah. - Romans 12:1, 2
• Wise decisions come from:

1. 1. Getting the facts
   2. Considering Jehovah’s thinking
   3. Weighing the options

• This article will help in training our powers of discernment. - Proverbs 2:11

___________________________________________________________________________

• The first step toward making a wise decision is gathering information.
• Just as a doctor examines a patient before prescribing treatment, we must examine all relevant facts before deciding.
• How to get the facts:
  • Ask questions to assess a situation before making a choice.
  • Example: If invited to a gathering, ask:
    • Where and when will it be?
    • Who will supervise?
    • What activities are planned?
    • Will alcohol be served?
  • Proverbs 18:13 warns against making decisions before hearing all the facts.
• Assess the full picture:
  • Consider potential dangers (e.g., will there be bad influences at the gathering?). - 1 Peter 4:3
  • Does the event conflict with spiritual responsibilities like meetings or ministry?
  • After gathering the facts, consider how Jehovah views the situation. - Proverbs 2:6

___________________________________________________________________________

CONSIDER WHAT JEHOVAH THINKS

• Pray for wisdom to discern whether a choice pleases Jehovah. - James 1:5
• Seek Jehovah’s guidance, just as you would listen carefully to directions if lost.
• Use Bible principles to determine Jehovah’s view on matters such as:
  • Wild parties - Romans 13:13
  • Bad associations - 1 Corinthians 15:33
  • Prioritizing Kingdom interests - Matthew 6:33
• Seek advice from spiritually mature ones, but also do your own research.
• Utilize study tools like the Research Guide for Jehovah’s Witnesses and Scriptures for Christian Living.
• Knowing Jehovah well will help in making decisions that please Him. - Proverbs 9:10; Ephesians 5:17
• Sometimes, pleasing Jehovah means disappointing others, such as family members who pressure someone into an unscriptural marriage.
• Our primary concern should be Jehovah’s will. - Matthew 6:33.

___________________________________________________________________________

WEIGH THE OPTIONS

• Evaluate choices based on Bible principles. - Philippians 1:9, 10
• Discernment helps distinguish between right and wrong—even in complex situations.
• Example: Choosing between two job offers:
  • Consider factors such as salary, schedule, and travel time.
  • Does either job interfere with congregation meetings or spiritual responsibilities?
  • Does it allow enough time for family’s emotional and spiritual needs?
• Think about how decisions affect others to avoid stumbling them. - Philippians 1:10
  • Dress and grooming choices should reflect respect for others and modesty. - 1 Corinthians 10:23, 24, 32; 1 Timothy 2:9, 10
• Plan ahead and calculate the cost of a decision. - Luke 14:28
  • Discuss major decisions with family members for practical adjustments and collective support. - Proverbs 15:22

___________________________________________________________________________

MAKE A DECISION THAT WILL SUCCEED 

• Follow the steps: get the facts, apply Bible principles, and weigh the options.
• Pray for Jehovah’s guidance in making the best decision.
• Rely on Jehovah’s wisdom rather than personal intelligence or experience. - Proverbs 2:1-5
• Jehovah will guide you in making decisions that please Him. - Psalm 23:2, 3

Thank you for reading,
-Soli Jehova Gloria (1 Corinthians 10:31)