Many times over the years, I’ve seen people suffer from their own decisions. A few times, I’ve heard individuals express confusion as to why they seemed to find themselves in difficult circumstances so often. And while it’s sometimes difficult to communicate this truth, frequently the answer is a lack of what some might call common sense.

            The American Heritage Dictionary defines common sense as “native good judgment”. Merriam-Webster says it is “sound and prudent judgment based on a simple perception of the situation or facts”. The Bible is a great source of this kind of decision-making.

            In Proverbs (known as wisdom literature in the Bible), there are many verses which help the reader in this area. Proverbs 3:21-22 promotes the benefits of wisdom, saying, “My son, preserve sound judgement and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck.” Chapter 8, verse 14 declares that the one who has wisdom will possess “counsel”, “sound judgment”, “understanding” and “power”. This all indicates a considerable ability to avoid the harmful, damaging situations in which so many find themselves.

            In Proverbs 7, it speaks of the difficulty and disaster which befalls “a youth who lacked judgment”. Toward the end of the chapter, he is compared to “an ox going to the slaughter”, and “a deer stepping into a noose”.

            Many more scriptures commend the benefits of wisdom in one’s life, but one verse in particular speaks to the best way to find it. Proverbs 1:7 reads, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” The best way for anyone to distinguish themselves from those who become trapped by their own words, actions and attitudes is to revere, respect and hold in high esteem, the Lord God. Those who come to Him, through Jesus Christ, begin a “life course” in learning and applying His wisdom to their daily lives. Thus, they have common sense, but something even greater, as well; knowledge for living the best life, that comes from their Creator, Himself.

Mark Nickles is a husband, father of three, and a pastor in Northeastern Oklahoma. Copyright, Mark A. Nickles.