Life situation · Faith and personal growth
Bible Verses for Making Decisions
For when you need to choose: asking God for wisdom, trusting him, seeking counsel, counting the cost, and how the early church decided together.
Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.
Introduction
The Bible gives no formula for every decision, but it gives wisdom: ask God for it, trust him, listen to good counsel, count the cost. James 1:5Proverbs 15:22Luke 14:28
The stories show leaders praying and deliberating together, plans changed by circumstances, and choices made with humility.
Passages to read
What each passage addresses in its own setting, and why it is relevant here. Read the surrounding verses too.
James 1:5–6 Central teaching
What it addresses: James writes to believers in trials.
Why it is relevant: Ask God for wisdom, and he will give generously.
Proverbs 3:5–6 Central teaching
What it addresses: A father’s instruction to trust God.
Why it is relevant: Trust in the LORD with all your heart; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 15:22 Central teaching
What it addresses: A proverb about planning.
Why it is relevant: Plans fail for lack of counsel; with many advisers they succeed.
Proverbs 16:9 Central teaching
What it addresses: A proverb about plans and God’s direction.
Why it is relevant: A person plans their course, but the LORD directs their steps.
Romans 12:2 Central teaching
What it addresses: Paul’s call to a transformed life.
Why it is relevant: Be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so you may discern God’s will.
Acts 15:6–29 Narrative example
What it addresses: The apostles and elders meet in Jerusalem to decide a disputed question.
Why it is relevant: They listen, debate, consider Scripture and experience, and write: “it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us.”
Acts 16:6–10 Narrative example
What it addresses: Paul’s plans are blocked twice before a vision calls him to Macedonia.
Why it is relevant: Closed doors were part of how the way became clear.
Luke 14:28–30 Supporting passage
What it addresses: Jesus on the cost of following him.
Why it is relevant: A builder sits down first and counts the cost.
People in Scripture who faced this
- Solomon
Solomon asks for a discerning heart. 1 Kings 3:9
- Paul
Paul’s plans change as doors close. Acts 16:6–10
Connected themes
Questions for reflection
Optional. Written by BibleKenya editors; they are not Scripture. Your answers are not collected.
- What does Proverbs 3:5-6 ask of you before promising a straight path?
- Who could you ask for counsel (Proverbs 15:22)?
- How did the council in Acts 15 reach its decision?
- What would counting the cost look like in your decision (Luke 14:28)?
A short reading plan
Ticks are kept on this device only.
Related situations
- Exams and Academic Pressure
Choosing courses and careers. Proverbs 16:3
- Unemployment
Choosing the next step. Proverbs 16:9
Scripture, editorial reflection and professional advice are different things. The passages are quoted from the Bible version you choose; the explanations are BibleKenya’s; for health, legal, financial or safety decisions, seek qualified help.