How do we make wise decisions? Pastor Bob Merritt said it’s a matter of getting and applying wisdom every day. His book is titled , and it draws on the book of Proverbs for practical insights on relationships, parenting, sex, money, and more; and how to experience a joyful life with long-term benefits. He joined us on Connecting Faith to talk about the value of wisdom and guarding your heart.

It has been told that we make up to 35,000 decisions each day, including; the simple decision of what color socks to wear, to a more difficult decision in choosing the right person to marry. Making wise choices is not determined by our intelligence, rather using God-given wisdom to direct our lives in a way that is honoring to Him. Bob shares helpful advice by reflecting on his own life experience reading the book of Proverbs.

   “The bible speaks to all of our issues…the primary one being relationships”

Relational matters are important to every follower of Christ and developing a healthy relationship with God should be our primary concern before our relationship with others. Merritt unpacks the importance of ‘common sense’, attaining wisdom, and trusting in God as we pursue Him.

“Anything good in life requires effort”

Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it”. Bob mentioned that this special training process requires parents to demonstrate their faith in action; ultimately training children to return to their faith if they should ever go astray. He also placed emphasis on becoming aware of the decisions we make daily and how they have the power to determine the direction in our lives.

“There are a few decisions in life that really matter…they either lead us to a path of success and well-being or failure and heartache”

Although there are many life-altering decisions that require Godly wisdom, we are reminded of the most important decision of them all; how we respond to who Jesus is and what He has done for us. He is our internal GPS, His word is a lamp unto our feet and in order to truly cultivate wisdom, we need to ask Him for it.

More helpful information about Bob Merritt and Eagle Brook Church can be found here.

Key scriptures: Proverbs 2, Proverbs 1:7, James 1:5, Proverbs 29:11, Proverbs 23, Proverbs 18:2, Proverbs 2:10, Proverbs 3:5-6

Highlight: Decisions and destinations

Making wise decisions