Daily Devotionals

Would You Rather? Week 1 Monday

Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:6

Have you read the children’s book, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie? If not, let me explain the premise. The book is about all of the ramifications that will happen if you give a mouse a cookie. For example, the book says that if you give a mouse a cookie, he will probably want milk, then he will want a straw for his milk, and the sequence of events continues. It is a sweet, humorous book, but it teaches a poignant lesson. The decisions we make each and every day have consequences, for good or for bad. We may feel like the choices and decisions we make will not have an affect, but that is untrue. When we make decisions, our choices matter. As a result, we need to treat our decisions and choices as important as they are.

The book of Proverbs has much to say about the importance of decision making. Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.” This verse teaches us the importance of seeking God’s will and the path He desires us to take. If you read further on in this chapter, the writer of Proverbs begins to talk about wisdom. He writes that the person who finds wisdom has joy. Wisdom, he writes, “will guide you down delightful paths” (verse 17). In other words, the writer of this Proverb teaches that wisdom will help lead us on the right path that leads to good. 

We must become wise decision-makers. This begins with understanding the importance of the decisions that we make. Just like choosing a walking path leads to a destination, our everyday choices lead to a destination. When we take our decision making seriously, we will naturally be better at making decisions. 

Here is the interesting thing about the story from When You Give a Mouse a Cookie: when we choose the path of wisdom, we find the greatest of rewards. It may not be the impulsive, quick fix rewards that the world has to offer, but the path of wisdom leads to a life of satisfaction and contentment. Over the years of choosing wisdom, you will find a sense of fulfillment that can’t be explained. Let’s determine today to choose wisdom. Let’s seek to choose the wise path that leads to goodness. 

Moving Toward Action

If we want to make wise decisions, then we must understand the importance of making wise decisions. Begin today, memorizing Proverbs 3:6. Set a goal to have it memorized by the end of the week. As the verse comes to mind throughout your day, remember that the choices we make have an impact, and determine to make choices that have an impact for good.

Going Deeper

Read Proverbs 3:1-35 (NLT)

My child, never forget the things I have taught you.
    Store my commands in your heart.
If you do this, you will live many years,
    and your life will be satisfying.
Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!
    Tie them around your neck as a reminder.
    Write them deep within your heart.
Then you will find favor with both God and people,
    and you will earn a good reputation.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
    do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
    and he will show you which path to take.

Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.
    Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
Then you will have healing for your body
    and strength for your bones.

Honor the Lord with your wealth
    and with the best part of everything you produce.
Then he will fill your barns with grain,
    and your vats will overflow with good wine.

My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline,
    and don’t be upset when he corrects you.
For the Lord corrects those he loves,
    just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.

Joyful is the person who finds wisdom,
    the one who gains understanding.
For wisdom is more profitable than silver,
    and her wages are better than gold.
Wisdom is more precious than rubies;
    nothing you desire can compare with her.
She offers you long life in her right hand,
    and riches and honor in her left.
She will guide you down delightful paths;
    all her ways are satisfying.
Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her;
    happy are those who hold her tightly.

By wisdom the Lord founded the earth;
    by understanding he created the heavens.
By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth,
    and the dew settles beneath the night sky.

My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment.
    Hang on to them,
for they will refresh your soul.
    They are like jewels on a necklace.
They keep you safe on your way,
    and your feet will not stumble.
You can go to bed without fear;
    you will lie down and sleep soundly.
You need not be afraid of sudden disaster
    or the destruction that comes upon the wicked,
for the Lord is your security.
    He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.

Do not withhold good from those who deserve it
    when it’s in your power to help them.
If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say,
    “Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.”

Don’t plot harm against your neighbor,
    for those who live nearby trust you.
Don’t pick a fight without reason,
    when no one has done you harm.

Don’t envy violent people
    or copy their ways.
Such wicked people are detestable to the Lord,
    but he offers his friendship to the godly.

The Lord curses the house of the wicked,
    but he blesses the home of the upright.

The Lord mocks the mockers
    but is gracious to the humble.

The wise inherit honor,
    but fools are put to shame!