Decisions
How can we prepare our mind and heart for making good decisions?
Ps 1:1-3; Pr 19:20; Ro 14:13; 1Co 10:6-11
See also Ezr 7:10
Why should we avoid being hasty when making important decisions?
Why should we avoid relying on our imperfect heart when making decisions?
See also Nu 15:39; Pr 14:12; Ec 11:9, 10
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Relevant Bible account(s):
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2Ch 35:20-24—Good King Josiah ignores counsel that originated with Jehovah and fights against Pharaoh Necho
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How important is prayer when making weighty decisions?
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Relevant Bible account(s):
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Lu 6:12-16—Jesus spends the whole night in prayer before selecting his 12 apostles
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2Ki 19:10-20, 35—Faced with an overwhelming threat, King Hezekiah turns to Jehovah in prayer and is rescued
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Who is the best Source of guidance for decisions, and how does he help us make decisions?
Ps 119:105; Pr 3:5, 6; 2Ti 3:16, 17
See also Ps 19:7; Pr 6:23; Isa 51:4
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Relevant Bible account(s):
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Ac 15:13-18—Facing a major decision, the governing body in Jerusalem relies on the Scriptures for guidance
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Decisions regarding:
All the affairs of life
Employment
See “Work”
Entertainment
See “Recreation”
Marriage
See “Marriage”
Medical treatment
Le 19:26; De 12:16, 23; Lu 5:31; Ac 15:28, 29
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Relevant Bible account(s):
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Ac 19:18-20—The Christians in Ephesus show that they will have nothing to do with magic and spiritism
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Spiritual goals
Use of time
How can mature servants of God help us make good decisions?
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Relevant Bible account(s):
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1Ki 1:11-31, 51-53—Bath-sheba listens to advice from the prophet Nathan, which saves her and her son Solomon
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Why should we not rely on others to make decisions for us?
Why should we be determined to apply God’s counsel and not minimize it?
See also Lu 7:30
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Relevant Bible account(s):
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Ge 19:12-14, 24, 25—Lot tries to warn his daughters’ intended husbands about impending destruction, but they ignore him
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2Ki 17:5-17—The Israelites are taken into exile because of their persistent course of ignoring Jehovah’s counsel
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Why should we pay keen attention to our conscience when making decisions?
How might we benefit if we consider the possible effects of a decision?
Effects on others
Effects on our own future
See also Pr 2:20, 21; 5:3-5
Effects on our relationship with Jehovah
Why should we take responsibility for our own decisions?
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