#9— Could this decision jeopardize your Integrity or hinder your witness for the Lord?

“Like a trampled spring and a polluted well is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.” (Prov. 25:26)

Can you do it and maintain your integrity?

“He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out.” (Prov. 10:9)

“A righteous man who walks in his integrity—how blessed are his sons after him.” (Prov. 20:7)

“A good name is to be more desired than great riches, favor is better than silver and gold.” (Prov. 22:1)

Is it true, honorable, right, excellent, and praiseworthy?

“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” (Phil. 4:8)

Is There a better option that would Allow you to make a greater Impact for God’s Kingdom?

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who is wise wins souls.” (Prov. 11:30)

#8 — Have you considered the possible outcomes for your course of action?

“The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands.” (Prov. 14:1)

Before making the decision assess the potential risks

Do the “long math.” Consider a contingency plan. What would, or could, you do if it fails and it all “goes south” on you? Remember the age-old advice, “Never risk more than you are willing and able to lose!”

The prudent person considers their steps

“The naïve believes everything, but the prudent man considers his steps.” (Prov. 14:15)

“A prudent man sees evil and hides himself, the naïve proceed and pay the penalty.” (Prov. 27:12)

#7 — Honestly considered warning signs

“He is on the path of life who heeds instruction, but he who forsakes reproof goes astray.” (Prov. 10:17)

Look for the red flags

Remember the old saying, “If it seems too good to be true, it is!”

“There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” (Prov. 16:25)

The best counsel isn’t always the easiest to hear

“Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.” (Prov. 27:6)

#6 — What Is the collective counsel of your community?

“Where there is no guidance the people fall, but in an abundance of counselors there is victory.” (Prov. 11:14)

Don’t be foolish by thinking you have all the answers on the matter

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” (Prov. 12:15 ESV)

“A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own mind.” (Prov. 18:2)

Get advice and instruction from others who understand the matter

“Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.” (Prov. 19:20 ESV)

#5 — How should past experiences inform your decision?

“Like a dog that returns to its vomit is a fool who repeats his folly.” (Prov. 26:11)

What have you learned from past mistakes?

Look for patterns of behavior that could affect your decision making process.

“A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding than a hundred blows into a fool.” (Prov. 17:10)

Reflect on early instruction you’ve received over your lifetime

“When I saw, I reflected upon it; I looked, and received instruction.” (Prov. 24:32)

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Prov. 22:6 ESV)

#4 — Examine the motives driving your decision

“All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, but the Lord weighs the motives.” (Prov. 16:2)

Honestly assess your motives for making the decision, both good and bad

Acknowledge that you have “blind spots”, everyone does. Give others permission to speak into your life about your decision.

“Who can say, ‘I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin?’” (Prov. 20:9

“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” (Phil. 2:3 ESV)

#3 — Don’t be fearfully pressured to make a premature decision

“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” (Col. 3:15 ESV)

Don’t let the fear of missing out drive your decision

Beware of the “once in a lifetime” deal and the lure of instant gratification. Many who have made important decisions too quickly have later said, “I knew I shouldn’t have made that decision, but I went against my gut feeling anyway!” Listen to your inner voice. Remember the age old advice, “When in doubt, don’t! And, the Bible instruction, “Let the peace of God rule” — If there is no peace about it, don’t do it!

“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”

Do not be anxious about your decision

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6-7ESV)

Slow down and wait

“…it is not good for a person to be without knowledge, and he who makes haste with his feet errs.” (Prov. 19:2)

Be diligent!

“The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty.” (Prov. 21:5)

#2 — Ask many questions and listen carefully

“He who gives an answer before he hears, it is folly and shame to him.” (Prov. 18:13)

Before making an important decision ask a lot of questions

Do you have all the facts for making the decision? Don’t fall prey to “wishful thinking” and don’t allow your emotions to get the best of you. Listen carefully and fully understand all sides of the situation before making the decision

Remember that there are two sides to every story

“The first to plead his case seems right, until another comes and examines him.” (Prov. 18:17)

#1 — Ask God for knowledge and understanding

“For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding.” (Prov. 2:6)

Ask God to give you wisdom about it

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:7)

“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” (Jer. 33:3 ESV)

What does the Bible say about it?

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalms 119:105 ESV)

“Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Prov. 3:5-6)

Can you do it to the glory of God?

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Cor. 10:31)

Will it cause you to be a partner with unrighteousness?

“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Cor. 6:14)

Will it put you in any kind of bondage?

“The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower becomes the lender’s slave.” (Prov. 22:7)