“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (PROV. 9:10).
1. What do we all have to do, and why is it not always easy?
We all have to make decisions daily, some simple and some more difficult, especially when they affect our health, happiness, family, or worship of God. It is not always easy, because we want the best for ourselves and our loved ones, but above all we want our decisions to please Jehovah.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Every day we have to make decisions, and some are relatively easy to make, like what we are going to have for breakfast or what time we are going to go to sleep.
But of course, there are others that are much more difficult, because they have to do with our own health, our happiness, our family and, most importantly, our worship of Jehovah.
2. What steps will help you make good decisions?
To make good decisions it is useful to follow these three steps:
1. Know all the information.
2. Take into account what Jehovah thinks.
3. Weigh the options.
Furthermore, it is important to train our capacity for discernment.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
The first thing is to know all the information. Second: take into account what Jehovah thinks about the matter. Third: weigh the options.
Proverbs 2:11 shows that ability will watch over us and we will come to have knowledge and understanding, because this is what will help us make correct decisions in our lives, depending on the ability we have.
KNOW ALL THE INFORMATION
3. Explain with an example why it is necessary to know all the information before making a decision.
Before making a decision, it is necessary to know all the information, because without it it is easy to make mistakes. For example, if a doctor prescribes a treatment without first examining the patient or asking questions, it could put the patient's health at risk. In the same way, when making important decisions, we must investigate and analyze all relevant information to avoid negative consequences.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Just as a doctor would never give a patient a treatment without first examining him or asking questions, in the same way, none of us will make an important decision without first analyzing all the information that is involved.
4. According to Proverbs 18:13, how can you make sure you know all the information? (See also images).
To make sure you know all the information, it is important to ask questions before making a decision. For example, if you are invited to a social gathering, asking details such as where and when it will be held, who will be attending, what activities there will be, and whether alcoholic beverages will be served can help you assess whether it is appropriate to attend.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Proverbs 18:13 warns us that responding before listening is foolish, so it is essential to listen and obtain all the information necessary to make wise and well-informed decisions.
We have read that we have to hear the facts before we respond or before making a decision. Therefore, we have to collect all the information, and the way to do it is by asking questions.
The example of a social gathering is given. We might think that if I feel like socializing, then I go, and if I don't feel like it, I don't go, but it's not that simple. For a Christian, it is important to know how the party could unfold; That is, you have to ask questions: Where and when will it be? How many people will there be? Who will supervise it? Who will go? What activities have you planned? Will alcoholic beverages be served? If we ask those questions to the host, then we can say that we are hearing the facts and we can make a good decision.
According to Proverbs 18:13, it says that responding to a matter before hearing the facts is foolish and humiliating.
In the image we see a group of brother witnesses who have all received the same invitation, and it seems that one is asking the others for information, precisely inquiring about that party: what it will be like, who will go, and it seems that everyone has to make the decision.
ILLUSTRATION
A young brother asks his friends about a party invitation that arrived on their phones.
Learn all the information by asking questions. (See paragraph 4).
5. What should you do once you know all the information?
Once you have all the information, it is important to look at the big picture and evaluate how the situation could impact your life and your relationship with Jehovah. For example, if at a social gathering there will be people who do not respect biblical principles or alcoholic beverages will be served uncontrollably, consider whether this could lead to inappropriate situations. Also, consider whether attending would compromise your participation in spiritual activities, such as congregation meetings or ministry.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Once we have all the information, we have to try to see the whole picture, because we may find out that people are going to attend that party who do not respect biblical principles, or that alcohol is going to be served without supervision, or, worse still, that it would make us miss a meeting or going out to preach. So, this will make it even easier for us to make a decision and, above all, we have to think about what Jehovah thinks about all this.
Maybe the organization of the party is fine, but let's note that it can, at some point, get out of control. In 1 Peter 4:3 we are warned that if at any time acts of brazen behavior, excessive drinking, or if the party gets out of control occur, it can give us an indication that it may not be the most appropriate thing to do.
All of this that has been stated in these two paragraphs is fantastic, but a teenager usually does not want to hear all of this. What you want is to be invited to a party, and the decision is often made previously: I want to be invited. So, obviously, it is a conflict of heart. But if he is a teenager who loves Jehovah, he will stop and apply the advice.
Then the young man will examine whether it is Jehovah's will or not. It is something very important: if he wants to do Jehovah's will, he will avoid those types of parties.
It is important to know things in advance, and how can it be done? Well, asking questions. Sometimes it can even be a little uncomfortable to do them, but it is wise to have the whole picture.
TAKE INTO ACCOUNT WHAT JEHOVAH THINKS
6. According to James 1:5, why should we ask Jehovah to help us?
According to James 1:5, we should ask Jehovah to help us, because he promises to give wisdom generously to all and without reproach. This wisdom will allow us to understand whether a certain decision will please you or not.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Because He promises to give us wisdom generously and without reproach, and that wisdom will allow us to understand whether our decision pleases Jehovah or not.
The group pressure can be very great, and then it may be that the young person or those so young, for not being contrary or not being the discordant point, find themselves carried away by the crowd or perhaps by their inner desire. So, stopping for a few minutes, reflecting, praying to Jehovah and saying, 'Please help me make the best decision,' can help us avoid many problems that we later regret.
You could say that this prayer is obligatory, because, if we want to know what Jehovah thinks, only He can give us wisdom about Himself, about what things He likes or doesn't like. So prayer to ask Jehovah for wisdom about a decision that has to do with what he likes or dislikes is mandatory.
This point is so important because, many times or on occasions, it may be that our point of view is different from Jehovah's and it is not always easy to perceive it. Therefore, it is important to go to Him in prayer to allow us to see the matter with His eyes.
7. How can you know what Jehovah thinks? Give an example.
An example may be that we can know what Jehovah is thinking by paying attention to his response after praying. This involves searching the Bible for principles and rules that help us make right decisions. For example, if someone invites us to a social gathering, before accepting we can analyze what the Bible says about bad company, wild parties, and the importance of putting the Kingdom first.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We have to listen to Jehovah, and to do that we have to see what biblical norms and principles are related to that situation. That is, we have to pay close attention.
If we get lost on a trip and stop someone to tell us how to get there, we wouldn't leave before they give us the answer, because that would be stupid; We wouldn't get anywhere. So the same thing happens with Jehovah: we have to stop, after having asked for his help, to know what He wants us to do, according to our conscience and his will.
Listening to Jehovah's response consists of searching for ourselves what biblical norms and principles are related, and so, when, for example, attending the social gathering we are talking about, we will take into account what the Bible says about those uncontrolled parties, perhaps bad company, and also the importance of putting the Kingdom first, instead of our personal preferences or our desires.
In this illustration, about when we get lost, it is said how important it is to listen very carefully to the instructions, because the person is not going to take us to the place, they are going to tell us and we will have to search. Likewise, to get closer to Jehovah, we have to search; Maybe they can give us some guidance, advice on where we could look for the information. Now, we have to search carefully and obtain that information in order to reach Jehovah.
Romans 13:13 says to behave as if it were daytime. Describes a series of bad behaviors. These bad behaviors can also be done during the day, but normally the people who want to do them wait until nighttime because it is easier for them not to be seen. In sunlight, they are easier to see. So the point is that we must behave at all times as if Jehovah were watching us, since, in fact, he does, so as not to disappoint him and so that our lives can go well.
1 Corinthians 15:33 says that bad company spoils good habits. This applies, perhaps, to non-Christian companies that may attend these types of parties or events.
8. What can you do if you need help finding the information you are looking for? (See also the image).
If you need help finding information, you can ask experienced brothers for suggestions. However, it is important that you also do your own research on tools such as the study guide for Jehovah's Witnesses and the book “Bible Texts for the Christian Life.” This way, you can ensure that your decision is based on Bible principles and pleases Jehovah.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We could rely on a brother or sister who has experience so that they can advise us well. And we also have the “Study Guide for Jehovah's Witnesses” and the book “Biblical Texts for the Christian Life”. So, we have good support there.
Precisely, the objective of the book “Biblical Texts for Christian Life” is to help us make good decisions and use this tool to help other people also make good decisions. This post has questions, key ideas, and then biblical texts, but it doesn't give us the answers to the questions we may be looking for. Rather, it gives us biblical principles to use our thinking and discernment, as we saw at the beginning.
How good it is that, although we need help to search for some information, our conscience already tells us that we should investigate it. So, regardless of whether we have to ask someone for help, the good thing is that our conscience is already telling us that we should investigate something. It is good that we take advantage of these tools that the slave gives us, and also the brothers within the congregation with more experience, who are not going to tell us what, but they are going to tell us how.
We must remember that decisions are personal and we do not want to decide for someone, or tell them: 'You have to do this or you don't have to do this.' As we see in the paragraph, it would be good to give some suggestion or indicate or direct him where he could find that information, those principles that can help him make the decision.
In the image you can see this young man who is searching the online library because he wants to take into account what Jehovah thinks about the decision he is going to make. You can see that you are reading lesson 35 of the book “Enjoy Life”, which is precisely about how to make good decisions and leaves key points or ideas that can help us make any good decision.
In the image you can see that this young man is not doing it in a hurry; He is taking his time because we see that he has a coffee, the Bible and the computer there to look at information, so that this penetrates his heart and helps him make a good decision without rushing.
ILLUSTRATION
The young brother in the previous image reading lesson 35 of the book “Enjoy life”.
Consider what Jehovah thinks. (See paragraph 8).
9. How can we be sure that our decision pleases Jehovah? (Ephesians 5:17).
To ensure that our decision pleases Jehovah, we must know him well. Proverbs 9:10 reminds us that true understanding comes from knowing Jehovah. This involves knowing His qualities, His purpose, and what He loves and hates. Before deciding, we can ask ourselves: “Based on what I know about Jehovah, which option would please him best?”
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
The first thing you have to do is get to know it well. As Proverbs 9:10 says, knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. So, in order for us to have this authentic understanding, the first thing we must do is know the qualities of Jehovah, his purpose, what he loves and also what he hates.
Ephesians 5:17 reminds us when Jesus decided not to turn stones into bread, because he did not think about himself, but about how to please his Father, because he knew him exactly well. We, today, can continue to acquire that knowledge to please Jehovah and act in the way He wants and desires.
To know Jehovah's point of view on what is right and what is wrong, it is necessary to study, and he has given us the best guide, which is his word: the Bible.
10. Why are biblical principles more important to us than family traditions or local customs?
Bible principles are more important than family traditions or local customs, because our greatest desire is to please Jehovah. Sometimes this can mean making decisions that disappoint our family or friends. For example, parents may want their daughter to marry someone who is financially stable, but if this man is not spiritually strong, her relationship with Jehovah could be affected.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
To make a good decision, that is, to please Jehovah, sometimes we are going to have to disappoint our family or our friends, because we are not going to do what they expect.
He speaks there of family traditions, and there is the situation that occurs in many countries, especially in African countries, in which dowries are given for the daughter. So, there are many parents who, with good intentions, what they want is to find a rich husband who will give them a good dowry, who will provide financial stability for their daughter, but who is probably not strong spiritually. So, you have to evaluate which husband your daughter is going to have, if he is going to help her spiritually, if he is going to be a good head in the spiritual sense. Thus, the daughter will have to decide whether to adhere to family tradition or biblical principles.
Although it is true that at all times we try to honor parents and also the cultures or those with whom one has grown up, we must remember that every Christian, when he dedicated himself to Jehovah, made a vow to give his entire life to Jehovah and at all times put the kingdom first. So, in these situations is where we have to put Jehovah first, not only because it is what He wants, but also because we want to make Him happy.
We want to know what Jehovah thinks. We have learned that we must look for it in the Bible, and it is there that we find biblical principles that will teach us what Jehovah thinks on the matter.
WEIGH THE OPTIONS
11. According to Philippians 1:9, 10, what quality will help you weigh your options?
According to Philippians 1:9, 10, the quality that will help us weigh our options is discernment. This ability allows us to evaluate each option and anticipate its possible results. Sometimes the best decision is obvious, but other times it is not so easy to distinguish what is right. In such cases, discernment helps us apply biblical principles to make decisions that truly please Jehovah.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Discernment will help us make sure which things are most important and will allow us to anticipate the results of each option, both in simple situations and in those where we do not see it so clearly.
Discernment comes from separating one thing from another. We have the knowledge, we have the information, we know what the slave says, what Jehovah thinks, and now one has to anticipate and see what may happen in that possible party that is being given as an example. Then you stop and think, "Is he going to make me come home late? Will there be alcoholic beverages?" That makes one distinguish what is important from what is not and make a good decision.
Something that can help us understand what discernment is is that the Greek word translated in the text denotes sensitive moral perception. This is how we will perceive what Jehovah wants to tell us if we use discernment.
Discernment is finding the difference between various options that require reflection. This reflection is very important, especially in difficult situations. Furthermore, the notes that talk about discernment say that it is like an accompaniment to wisdom when making decisions.
One university's description of the word "discernment" is as follows: "Careful analysis to determine which of the two is the most accurate and convenient." That is, it is not about deciding between good and evil, but between good things, and what should be chosen is what is best at that moment, what will most benefit my relationship with Jehovah.
12, 13. How can discernment help you make a good decision about work?
Discernment will help you make a good job decision by allowing you to evaluate not only the salary or type of employment, but also its impact on your spirituality and your family. Before accepting a job, you should ask yourself if it will allow you to attend meetings, participate in the preaching work, and care for the emotional and spiritual needs of your family. In this way, you can ensure that your decision honors Jehovah and receives his blessing.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
I can use discernment by asking myself questions about how my spirituality will affect the decision of the job I choose, even if it is very well paid and well located. I have to ask myself: is this going to stop me from attending meetings? Is it going to take away time from my family or family worship? Asking myself those types of questions will help me conclude what I should put first.
Perhaps someone who does not use discernment could see that both jobs are good, and neither is against Jehovah's standards, so he would choose the one that best suits him. However, if we use discernment, factors such as: "Which will I end up more tired? Will I have the strength to then go out to preach or do family worship?" They make the person using discernment analyze much more than simply which one is best for them.
The paragraph at the end gives importance to making a decision that has Jehovah's blessing. So the question, again, is: What does Jehovah think? Matthew 6:33 has been cited several times. What decision does the Kingdom seek first? If we make that decision, we have Jehovah's blessing and He will add what we need.
We have seen how important it is to analyze well all the information about the type of work and so on. It's good to ask yourself questions like: Would any of your jobs prevent you from attending meetings? The most important thing is worship of Jehovah, and that involves family worship. Do I have time to do the study as a family? So, one has to discern what is most important, and that way we will make a correct decision. The decision will certainly make Jehovah happy if we take these steps into account.
The things that can influence when choosing a job may be that we like one type of job more than another, or that we are paid better in one job or another.
14. How will discernment and love help us not cause others to stumble?
Discernment and love will help us make decisions considering the impact on others. For example, in our way of dressing and grooming, discernment will allow us to evaluate whether our choices may be a stumbling block for others. Love, for its part, will motivate us to act with modesty and prioritize the spiritual well-being of others, avoiding anything that could offend or distract from the worship of Jehovah.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Discernment makes us think about the effect our decision may have on other people.
The paragraph clearly shows that discernment helps us see what is right and perceive the feelings of others. However, love is a good complement to discernment, because it places taking into account other people's feelings above our own.
The paragraph talks about personal decisions, such as the way we dress and groom ourselves. We may have a taste for certain things, but the paragraph asks: "What if what we like is offensive to someone?" And here comes the text of 1 Corinthians 10:23-24, which says that everything is permitted, but not everything is beneficial; Everything is permitted, but not everything builds. And verse 24 says let no one seek his own benefit, but that of others.
It is not limited only to the congregation, because it says that others can also be stumbled, whether inside or outside the congregation. 1 Corinthians 10:32 says, "Avoid causing the Jews, the Greeks, and the congregation of God to stumble." It could be a neighbor, a co-worker, who could be affected by the decision we make. Discernment must be very broad to be able to know what is correct regarding our decisions.
How well these two qualities combine when thinking about the effect on others. Discernment will help us perceive what the effect of our decisions will be on others, and love will move us to modify them, beyond what we like. Because we might think, "Well, I know this clothing or grooming decision may offend others, but it's their problem." It depends on how much love we have for those people. If we truly love them, then we will give up our rights.
15. What should you think about before making an important decision?
Before making an important decision, it is essential to calculate the expenses, that is, analyze the time, resources and efforts it will require. Jesus taught us this principle in Luke 14:28. It is also useful to consult with the family, as their support can be key to carrying out the decision successfully. Planning well and considering different options will help us make a more accurate decision with Jehovah's blessing.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
As Luke 14:28 says, we should sit down and think about the amount of time, resources and efforts we would have to dedicate. Additionally, it would be good to discuss it with the family to see what each person would need to do to support the decision.
This examination will likely lead one to see that they have to make some adjustments to the decision or even that there is a better option.
The paragraph mentions that if you ask a family member or friend for an opinion, you have to listen, be humble and pay attention to what they have to say, because maybe they will tell you something that is not what you wanted to hear. Then, humility will help you listen to the opinion you have asked for and accept the advice.
Proverbs 15:22 tells us that with many counselors good results are achieved. And in this case, not only because of the advice they can give us, but because our decision may also affect them. They also have to help us and are more willing to collaborate if we have had their opinion. And then, we will succeed, as the text says.
Examine with discernment, weigh the circumstances, the significance of the situations, the facts and what implies others. That will lead to a good result or else a negative result.
MAKE A DECISION THAT WORKS WELL
16. What steps should you take to make your decision go well? (See also the sidebar “How to make good decisions.”)
Know all the information: Ask questions; then try to see the whole picture.
Consider what Jehovah thinks: Ask him for help and meditate on Bible principles that relate to your situation.
Weigh the options: Use discernment to see how a decision might affect you and others, and think about what it will take to carry it out.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
The first is to know all the information, and for this we have to ask questions.
In the image we see that he is searching with a magnifying glass, so we have to look carefully for answers.
We can think of a detective, one of those ancient ones who goes with the magnifying glass, asking questions because he really wants to find out all the information and not miss any details. We want to do the same: search with determination to make the right decision.
Consider what Jehovah thinks, ask him for help, and meditate on Bible principles that relate to your situation.
Weigh the options, use discernment to see how it might affect you and others, and think about what it will take to carry it out.
James 1:5 says that if any of you lacks wisdom, let him keep asking God constantly. So, Jehovah's wisdom is the best we can have to make right decisions.
We must weigh the pros and cons to avoid making mistakes, but not do so lightly. We must think not only about today, but also about tomorrow, because perhaps a decision we make can vary or change our entire life.
17. What is the key to making good decisions?
The key to making good decisions is not to rely only on our intelligence or experience, but to rely on Jehovah's wisdom. He gives us true knowledge, understanding and discernment, essential elements to make decisions that please Him.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We have seen that the key is not to rely on our own experience or intelligence, but to rely on Jehovah's wisdom.
Proverbs 2:1-5 talks about accepting the words of Jehovah, treasuring his commandments, paying attention to wisdom, and inclining our hearts to discernment. It also mentions that we must ask for understanding to obtain the discernment we need and to be able to act wisely, according to what Jehovah wants from us.
This world of Satan greatly encourages one to be self-sufficient. Thus, we can make the mistake of thinking: "Well, I already have a lot of knowledge, I have lived a lot," and leave Jehovah aside, which can make us pay the consequences.
In a speech at an assembly, it was said that it is wiser to learn by obedience than by experience. It is said that experience is a degree, but sometimes the experience accumulated over many years has made us learn from mistakes, with their fatal consequences, obviously. However, obedience allows us to obtain wisdom, even when we are inexperienced or very young, and we can make good decisions from a very early age.
HOW DO THESE BIBLICAL TEXTS HELP YOU MAKE GOOD DECISIONS?
Proverbs 18:13
Proverbs 18:13 teaches us the importance of knowing all the information before making a decision. If we respond without listening or researching well, we could make mistakes. This motivates us to ask questions and carefully analyze the details before deciding.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We saw how important it is to know all the details of the decisions we are going to make, that we need to have the complete picture. We will have it if we carefully examine everything it involves and if we ask ourselves questions that help us know everything we need to know to make a decision that pleases us, and above all, to please our God Jehovah.
Ephesians 5:17
Ephesians 5:17 encourages us to understand what Jehovah's will is before acting. To do this, we must study the Bible, meditate on divine principles and pray for His guidance, ensuring that our decisions are aligned with His will.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Taking into account what Jehovah thinks, we can do so by asking for his help, seeking information, and meditating on the biblical principles involved in each situation to make a decision.
Philippians 1:9, 10
Philippians 1:9 and 10 highlight the importance of love and discernment to approve the most important things. It helps us evaluate our options, considering not only what is right, but what is best from Jehovah's point of view, avoiding decisions that might cause us or others to stumble.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
With this biblical text, we saw the importance of weighing the options thanks to discernment and, obviously, accompanying it with love for others, thinking about how the decision we make could affect other people. And, as we saw very well in the image, we need to have that scale well balanced on a straight table and not let it tilt based on our preferences or what we like the most, but, obviously, also thinking about others and, above all, about Jehovah.
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