The Wisdom of Asking "What's the Wise Thing to Do?"

In a world filled with countless choices and decisions, we often find ourselves at crossroads, unsure of which path to take. Our hearts may pull us in one direction, while our minds caution us to reconsider. In these moments of uncertainty, there's a simple yet profound question we can ask ourselves that has the power to transform our lives: "What's the wise thing to do?"

This question, though easy to answer, can be challenging to ask. It pierces through the fog of self-deception and exposes our true motives. It sheds light on issues that may not be explicitly addressed in scripture, guiding us towards righteous living. Most importantly, if we consistently filter our choices through this question and act on our conclusions, we could avoid many of life's regrets and potentially change the entire direction of our lives.

The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, urges believers to "walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:15-16). This call to wisdom is not just about making good choices; it's about being acutely aware of our surroundings, the consequences of our actions, and the brevity of our time on earth.

Consider for a moment: How many of us have made decisions we wish we could undo? How often have we done things we hope no one ever discovers? These are the moments when we should have known better, yet we convinced ourselves we could beat the odds or be the exception to the rule. We followed our hearts, trusted our emotions, and did our own thing, only to wonder later what we were thinking.

The truth is, nobody plans to mess up their life, but very few of us plan not to. We don't put the necessary safeguards in place to protect our potential and our future. This is where the wisdom of asking "What's the wise thing to do?" becomes invaluable.

This question applies to every aspect of our lives – our relationships, our finances, our time management, and our moral choices. It's particularly crucial in areas where the Bible doesn't give explicit instructions. For instance, while scripture doesn't specifically mention certain modern vices, asking "What's the wise thing to do?" can guide us away from harmful choices.

In matters of financial stewardship, this question can prevent us from making poor decisions that lead to unnecessary stress and hardship. Instead of asking, "What can I afford?" or "What's the acceptable monthly payment?", we should be asking, "What's the wise thing to do with my resources?"

Regarding moral decisions, especially in the realm of sexual purity, this question becomes a powerful safeguard. Paul exhorts believers to "flee sexual immorality" (1 Corinthians 6:18). By consistently asking "What's the wise thing to do?", we can avoid putting ourselves in compromising situations and protect the sanctity of our bodies and relationships.

It's important to note that asking this question doesn't always provide a clear-cut answer. Sometimes, it simply reduces our options. In these moments of uncertainty, the Bible gives us another nugget of wisdom: seek counsel. Proverbs reminds us that "in the multitude of counselors there is safety" (Proverbs 11:14). Wise people aren't afraid to ask for help when they don't know what to do.

Interestingly, human beings tend to be especially resistant to counsel in three critical areas: how we use our time, how we manage our finances, and how we navigate our relationships. Yet these are precisely the areas where we need wisdom the most.

As we strive to live wisely, it's crucial to remember that our decisions affect more than just ourselves. We don't live in a vacuum; our choices impact those around us, often in ways we can't foresee. This realization should motivate us to approach decision-making with even greater care and consideration.

Ultimately, the foundation of all wisdom is the fear of the Lord. As Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Asking "What's the wise thing to do?" is an acknowledgment that God is God, and we are not. It's a humble recognition of our limitations and our need for divine guidance.

So, how can we practically apply this wisdom in our daily lives? Start by making it a habit to pause before making decisions, especially significant ones. Take a moment to ask yourself, "What's the wise thing to do here?" Be honest with yourself about your motives and the potential consequences of your choices.

If you're struggling with time management, consider how you can redeem the time, using it more productively for things that truly matter. If finances are a concern, seek godly counsel and make a plan to steward your resources wisely. In your relationships, prioritize choices that honor God and build others up.

Remember, wisdom isn't about perfection; it's about progress. We'll still make mistakes, but by consistently seeking wisdom, we can minimize regrets and live a life that honors God and blesses others.

As you go forward, challenge yourself to make "What's the wise thing to do?" your default question in decision-making. Let it guide you away from temporary pleasures and towards lasting fulfillment. Allow it to shape your character and align your choices with God's will for your life.

In a world that often encourages us to "follow our hearts" or "do what feels right," choosing wisdom may not always be popular. But the rewards of a life lived wisely – peace, integrity, and the knowledge that we're honoring God – far outweigh any temporary discomfort or sacrifice.

May we all have the courage to consistently ask, "What's the wise thing to do?" and the strength to act on the answer, trusting that as we do, we'll be building lives of purpose, impact, and true success in God's eyes.

Here are the scripture references mentioned or alluded to in the sermon:

1. Ephesians 4:1
2. Ephesians 5:15-17
3. John 10:10
4. Matthew 6:31-34
5. 1 Corinthians 6:18
6. 1 Kings 3:11 (alluded to regarding Solomon's wisdom)
7. Proverbs 1:5
8. Proverbs 12:15
9. Proverbs 19:20
10. Proverbs 11:14
11. Proverbs 15:22
12. Proverbs 9:10