20 Decision Making Bible Verses for Successful People

Are you struggling to make decisions? Do you feel stuck between two choices? The Bible is full of wisdom on how to make good decisions. The following verses can provide direction when you don’t know what to do.

Read Scripture

Allow God to speak to you through His word. The Bible helps us to discern God's truth and to identify self-centered motives.

2 Timothy 3:16

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Pray for Guidance

When we pray for guidance, God gives us wisdom. Keeping a prayer journal is a good way to build faith in God. Your heart will be greatly encouraged when you look back at past prayers and see how God has answered them.

James 1:5

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.

Philippians 4:6

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Matthew 7:7 

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

1 John 5:14-15

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.

Be humble 

We are human. We don’t have all the answers. And sometimes our pride gets in the way of making good decisions. The Bible tells us not only to seek wisdom from God but also to take counsel from people you trust.

Proverbs 3:7

Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.

Proverbs 14:12

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

Proverbs 11:4

Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.

Fear the Lord

When we fear the Lord, we are acknowledging His power and authority over us. We open our hearts to receive God’s instruction. Taking a humble posture before the Lord is essential for receiving the wisdom He has to offer. The Bible reminds us that those who fear the Lord and delight in His commandments will be blessed.

Proverbs 1:7

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Psalm 112:1

Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments!

Trust God 

Trust God to fulfill his purposes in you. God has a plan for your life. He will not let you down. Stay on the path He has chosen for you and you will have success. It might not always look like success from the world’s perspective, but God will be pleased with you and reward you for your faithfulness.

Psalm 138:8

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.

Proverbs 19:21

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

Hebrews 11:6

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Commit to God’s Plan

We put our faith in God into action when we commit to follow through with the guidance we have received. Making commitments and following through with them demonstrates faithfulness, which will lead to greater opportunities in the future.

Psalm 37:5

Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will do it.

Proverbs 16:9

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.

Psalm 16:8

I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

Matthew 25:21

His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.”

Be a good steward of your time

Be conscientious of your time on earth. Time is a scarce and precious resource that God has entrusted to us. Make the most of it. Don’t let distractions get in the way of accomplishing God’s purposes. 

Psalm 90:12

So teach us to number our days so that we may get a heart of wisdom.

Making decisions can be difficult. But when we humble ourselves and seek God's guidance, we can be confident in the outcome of the choices we make.

A Prayer for Guidance when Making Decisions

Heavenly Father,

You are the creator of the heavens and the Earth. You have given me life and breath. I acknowledge that all knowledge and wisdom belong to you. You are holy and perfect in all your ways.

I confess that I am broken and self-centered. I don’t always make wise decisions. Sometimes my self interest gets in the way of serving You.

Thank you for the gift of scripture, and for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for the gift of community, for faithful Christians who can encourage me and give me guidance.

Please give me wisdom regarding the choices I face. I want to honor you, but am confused about how to move forward in this moment. Help me to hear from you and to trust in the counsel you provide. Remove all fear regarding this decision and give me the confidence I need to make this important choice.

In Jesus name I pray, Amen.