Rash Decisions

Have you ever made a rash decision and then later regretted it? Of course you have… everyone has. The bible is full of examples of people that made quick decisions that they later regretted. One example is found in Genesis 25:27-34 where a man named Esau gave up his entire inheritance because he was so hungry after a hard day of working. Esau was not literally starving to death, but he sold his birthright to his brother in a rash decision. Another example is found in II Samuel 6:6&7 where a man named Uzzah touched the Ark of the Covenant and died. Uzzah knew that the ark was to be carried with staves by the priests, and not touched, (Exodus 25:14) but he made a rash decision that cost his life.

Rash decisions can be avoided if we stop to think before acting in haste. Esau could have avoided a lifetime of family pain and strife if he had stopped and considered the facts prior to his decision. Proverbs 29:20 says “Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him” Esau should not have been in such a big rush.

Rash decisions can also be avoided if we learn to listen. Uzzah was aware God did not want the Ark to be touched, yet his impetuous actions lead him to disobey God. Proverbs 18:13 says “He who answers before listening….that is his folly and his shame.” Uzzah should have recalled God’s instructions prior to acting.

During periods of job struggles, family problems, economic challenges, and daily stress, we need to be able to make sound, well thought-out decisions. The Bible teaches us several methods to avoid rash decisions:

Philippians 4:6 teaches that we should use prayer to help us. “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Simply stopping to pray, before acting, allows time to reflect on the facts while asking God for help.

James 4:8 says “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you…” Some decisions can be avoided by asking ourselves if making such a choice will strengthen our relationship with God; or will it weaken it?

Proverbs 12:15 says “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.” Sometimes we need to be humble enough to ask for advice from those more experienced. Certainly, many of us could have prevented problems by listening to our parents.

The most important decisions we will make are those concerning our relationship with God. For Example: Will I worship with God’s people today? Will I read my Bible more? Can the world see Christ through me? In order to make wiser decisions when we face life’s challenges, let us consider what God teaches us through his word and thus improve both our physical and spiritual lives.