How To Make Wise Decisioins
Sunday | January 5, 2025
Ray Parascando

Proverbs 2:9 / TLB, “He shows how to distinguish right from wrong, how to
find the right decision every time.”

Step #1: Seek guidance and wisdom from Scripture

Matthew 2:1-2 / ESV, “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

Proverbs 3:13 / ESV, “Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and
the one who gets understanding.”

James 1:5 / ESV, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God,
who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given
him.”

Step #2: Always verify a person’s motive before placing your trust in them
Matthew 2:3-9 / ESV, “When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among
the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” 7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was.”

First Thessalonians 5:21 / ESV, “test everything; hold fast what is
good.”

Step #3: Honor God with my trust, time, talents, and
treasures
Matthew 2:10-11 / ESV, “When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.”

Step #4: Change my course if God commands
Matthew 2:12 / ESV, “And being warned in a dream not to return
to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.”

Proverbs 23:19 / NLT, “My child, listen and be wise: Keep your
heart on the right course.”