Values and Wise Decisions: Living by the Wisdom of God’s Word - Lesson 4
- Pr Enos Mwakalindile
- Aug 21
- 4 min read
🌱 Introduction
Every day, a young person faces decisions that can change the course of their life—from small matters to big ones like friendships, career, or relationships. The world defines “what is right” by feelings and trends, but a disciple of Jesus is called to live and decide by the light of God’s Word. True wisdom is not just doing what is easy, but what is true and honorable before God and people.
Like a seed planted in the ground, values and wise decisions are the foundation for a harvest of good tomorrow. Every choice today is a seed, and every seed will bear fruit in time. This lesson invites you to reflect not only on the “opportunity” to choose, but also on the “power” to decide and live a life pleasing to God.
Expected Outcomes: Participants will recognize the foundations of Christian values, build the muscle of making wise decisions, and see the beauty of living faithfully before God in both small and great matters.
📖 Biblical and Christian Foundations on Godly Wisdom
God Gives Wisdom to Those Who Ask
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God...” (James 1:5).
Wisdom as a Gift from Heaven. James teaches that true wisdom does not come only from experience, but is a gift from God. Every young person who confesses their lack and asks God opens doors to new understanding and discernment. This is wisdom that goes beyond the limits of education and human intellect.
Solomon – The King Who Asked for Wisdom. When Solomon was young and became king, he knew he had no experience. Instead of asking for wealth or fame, he asked for wisdom (1 Kings 3:9–12) and God answered him. When our lives are led by God’s wisdom, we become a blessing to others and find true peace.
God’s Word as a Compass
“Your word is a lamp to my feet...” (Psalm 119:105).
God’s Word Brings Light into Darkness. David confessed that life is a journey with dark and dangerous paths, but God’s Word gives light to guide every step. As we learn and meditate on the Word, we gain the ability to see further than the eyes, avoiding the traps of the world.
Jesus – Overcame Satan with the Word. When Jesus was in the wilderness, He used the Word to resist Satan (Matt. 4:1–11). Even today, the power of the Word protects and guides us to make decisions that give God glory.
A Pure Heart and Right Thoughts
“Whatever is true, whatever is noble... think about such things.” (Phil. 4:8).
The Power of Thoughts and a Clean Heart. Paul reminds us that decisions begin in the heart and in our minds. What we think, we see, and later we do. Filling the mind with good things is fertilizer for noble character and honorable decisions.
Joseph – Resisting the Temptation of Adultery. Joseph rejected a bad thought before an act, saying: “How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (Gen. 39:9). True values begin by winning the battle within before the battle outside.
Spiritual Counsel
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Prov. 15:22).
The Value of Good Advice. Proverbs teaches that wisdom is not found in isolation but in community and counsel from God’s people. Wise young people learn to listen, discuss, and accept good advice before making major decisions.
Rehoboam – Example of Lacking Wise Counsel. Rehoboam ignored the advice of the elders and listened to his peers (1 Kings 12:6–14). The result was division and pain. Spiritual advice is a guard for our journey of decision-making.
Consequences of Decisions
“God will repay each person according to what they have done.” (Rom. 2:6).
Decisions Are Seeds for Tomorrow. Paul teaches that every choice is a seed, and every seed will yield its harvest. No action is without consequence; life is a collection of both small and great decisions.
Ruth – The Decision to Follow God. Ruth made the decision to follow God and Naomi rather than return to her own gods (Ruth 1:16–17). She eventually became part of the lineage of Jesus Christ. Today’s decisions can change an entire generation.
🛐 Life Application
Pray: Each day as you get new opportunities to choose, take time to be grateful and ask God for wisdom. Like a traveler searching for the light of a lamp before crossing a bridge at night, pray that the Holy Spirit will show you a path of courage and discernment.
Read: Before making an important decision, meditate on Proverbs 3:5–6 and write down your prayers and challenges. Like a leader studying a speech before major negotiations, take time to reflect before acting.
Share: Don’t fear to make your boundaries clear—tell your friends or family your values and spiritual priorities. Like an athlete raising their voice for the team, work together with others so you stand firm when you are tempted.
Do: Take one step of faithfulness—whether big or small—and resist peer pressure that brings doubt. Like a hero who decides with both words and actions, stand strong for what you believe, even if you are alone.
🤔 Reflection Questions
Looking back, is there any decision you made that changed the course of your life for better or worse? Think of someone who takes time to reflect and weigh the path before acting—was your decision based on faith, pressure, or the wisdom of God’s Word?
What obstacles or pressures do you face when trying to hold on to your values? Like a voter standing in a long line, where is your faith tested most and how do you rise again?
Is there spiritual advice you’ve received—perhaps from a parent, teacher, or friend—that changed your life’s direction? Reflect on how a single word or example can change the whole journey.
How have you seen your decisions help someone else see God or find light in the darkness of life? Like a lamp being lit in a dark room, your faithfulness may be the reason someone else finds hope.
🙌 Final Blessing
May the Lord give you eyes that see far and ears that hear His voice, teach you to walk in wisdom, and give you a heart of courage to choose what is best and glorifying to Him. Amen.
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