God promises, "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go" (Psalm 32:8). As you walk, "thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it" (Isaiah 30:21). Seek advice, for "in the multitude of counsellors they are established" (Proverbs 15:22). And when the way is clear, "choose life" (Deuteronomy 30:19).
Should I take the job? Move? Say yes to this relationship, this school, this church? Big decisions can keep us awake at night, and small ones add up. Scripture does not hand us a script for every choice, but it gives a reliable pattern: ask the Lord, seek wise counsel, count the cost, and then step forward in faith instead of staying stuck. These twelve King James verses are for anyone facing a choice, including the plans that come with a new year. For the wider topic of godly wisdom, see wisdom and discernment; for trusting the outcome, see God's plan.
Ask the LORD to show you the way
1. Psalms 32:8
"I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye."
God Himself promises to teach thee in the way which thou shalt go, and to guide thee with mine eye. The next verse warns against being like a stubborn horse or mule (Psalm 32:9). Guidance comes to those willing to be led.
2. Psalms 25:4-5
"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."
Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. David's decision-making begins with prayer and with waiting on God all the day. Before you list pros and cons, ask Him to show you His way.
3. Isaiah 30:21
"And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left."
Thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it. God's guidance often comes as you walk, turning to the right or the left, rather than before you take a single step. Scripture is the first place to listen for that word.
4. Psalms 143:10
"Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness."
Teach me to do thy will. The deeper question behind most decisions is not only what I want, but what pleases God. His spirit is good, and He leads into the land of uprightness.
Seek counsel and count the cost
5. Proverbs 15:22
"Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established."
Without counsel purposes are disappointed. Plans made alone often fail; plans tested by several wise counsellors stand. Ask a pastor, a mentor or a friend who will tell you the truth.
6. Proverbs 11:14
"Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety."
In the multitude of counsellors there is safety. This holds for nations, churches and families alike. Good decisions are rarely made in isolation.
7. Luke 14:28
"For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?"
Jesus asks who would build a tower without first sitting down to count the cost. He applies it to following Him (Luke 14:33), but the principle is wise for any big commitment: think it through before you start.
8. Proverbs 21:5
"The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want."
The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want. Careful planning bears fruit, while rushed decisions often lead to regret. When you can, sleep on it.
Choose, and step out in faith
9. Deuteronomy 30:19
"I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:"
At the edge of the promised land, Moses set before Israel life and death, blessing and cursing, and urged them to choose life. Some decisions are moral before they are practical; the first question is which way honors God.
10. 1 Kings 18:21
"And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word."
Elijah confronted a nation stuck between the LORD and Baal: How long halt ye between two opinions? Endless indecision can itself become a decision. When God's way is clear, follow it.
11. Acts 15:28
"For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;"
After prayer, Scripture and long debate, the Jerusalem council wrote, it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us. It is a fine model for deciding together: listen to God and to one another, then decide with humility.
12. James 1:6
"But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed."
Right after promising wisdom to anyone who asks (James 1:5), James says to ask in faith, nothing wavering. Once you have prayed and sought counsel, trust God enough to move, rather than being tossed like a wave of the sea.
A short prayer
Lord, You know the choice in front of me. Show me Your ways and teach me Your paths. Give me wise counsel, patience to count the cost, and courage to act when the way is clear. Whether I turn to the right or to the left, let me hear Your word behind me. I trust You with the outcome. In Jesus' name, amen.
Go deeper: a SOAP study prompt
Pick one verse above and write: - Scripture: copy the verse by hand. - Observation: what does it say? Who is speaking, to whom? - Application: what does it mean for you today? - Prayer: turn it into a two-line prayer.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I know God's will for a decision?
Start with Scripture, since God will not lead you against His Word. Pray for wisdom (James 1:5), seek wise counsel (Proverbs 15:22), consider your circumstances and gifts, and look for the peace that comes with obedience (Colossians 3:15). Then take a step in faith; God can redirect a moving person (Proverbs 16:9).
What does the Bible say about making hard decisions?
Hard decisions call for prayer, patience and counsel. Jesus Himself prayed all night before choosing the twelve apostles (Luke 6:12-13). When every option is difficult, choose the one that best honors God and serves others, and trust Him with what you cannot control (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Should Christians cast lots to make decisions?
Lots were used in the Old Testament and once in Acts, to choose Matthias (Acts 1:26), and Proverbs 16:33 says the outcome is from the LORD. After Pentecost, though, the church made decisions through prayer, Scripture and the Spirit's leading (Acts 15:28), and that is the pattern for us.
What if I make the wrong decision?
God is not waiting to punish an honest mistake. He works all things together for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28), and He can redeem a poor choice. Confess any sin involved, learn what you can, and keep walking with Him. If doubts linger, see doubt.
Sources: All Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (KJV), public domain in the United States. References were checked against the KJV text from bible-api.com.
Related: Bible verses about wisdom · Bible verses about discernment · Bible verses about God's plan · Bible verses about trusting God · Bible verses about the New Year · Bible verses about doubt
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