Session 17

Do your decisions lead to regret?

From Ecclesiastes: A 20-Day Devotional

Fools are not always clowns or jesters. Fools in Ecclesiastes, like a lot of us, lack self control, talk a little too much and give themselves a little too much credit.

We can all recall a time when we acted foolishly. Maybe we had too much to drink at a party, spent too much money on clothes, or gossiped about a friend who found out later.

Looking back, we wish we could have enjoyed just one glass of wine with dinner, been a better steward of our money, or took some time to build up friends rather than tear them down. Hindsight is 20/20, but God offers something even better than hindsight. He offers wisdom.

In this life, foolishness might gain popularity, a lavish lifestyle, or temporary comfort, but in God’s eyes wisdom is highly valued—even more than silver and gold (Proverbs 16:16). 

God has good things in store for those who are faithful. 

God promises that those who search for wisdom will “understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God” (Proverbs 2:5). Why is that important? Because we don’t need to make poor decisions now to learn how to make wise decisions later. We can have the knowledge of God now in order to make wise decisions that will honor Him in the future. Ultimately, this will bring about rejoicing, not regret. 

More than anyone, God wants us to live successful lives, so we can trust that He has good things in store for those who are faithful.

Reflect:

• How do you make decisions now? Do these decisions often end in regret?
• What is one way you can seek God’s wisdom today?