23 December Joshua 9

Before making decisions, ask God

Joshua 9:14 (AMP) So the men [of Israel] took some of their own provisions [and offered them in friendship], and [foolishly] did not ask for the counsel of the Lord.

Joshua 9:14 is a short but powerful verse. It comes from the story where the Gibeonites tricked the Israelites. This verse explains how the Israelites were deceived: they did not ask God for advice.

They went ahead and made decisions without first asking God what He thought, how He was leading, or what He wanted them to do.

In our own lives, we face the same challenge. Every day we make decisions—big and small.

The Bible tells us to pray all the time and to keep seeking God. That means when we face important choices, we must take time to pray and ask God for His guidance before moving forward.

The Bible speaks often about the importance of first seeking God’s guidance before making decisions. Here are some key verses and principles:

Joshua 9:14 — Learn from the Israelites’ mistake

(ESV)“So the men took some of their provisions, but did not ask counsel from the LORD.”

The Israelites were deceived by the Gibeonites because they didn’t ask God first. This shows the danger of relying only on our own judgment.

Proverbs 3:5–6 — Trust God, not just yourself

(ESV)“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”

We are called to depend on God’s wisdom, not just our own reasoning.

James 1:5 — Ask God for wisdom

(NKJV)“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

God promises to give wisdom generously when we ask.

Psalm 32:8 — God promises to guide

(NKJV)“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.”

God desires to lead us personally and clearly.

Isaiah 30:1 — The warning against acting without God’s counsel

(NKJV)“Woe to the rebellious children,” says the LORD, “Who take counsel, but not of Me, and who devise plans, but not of My Spirit, that they may add sin to sin.”

God warns against making plans without His direction—it leads to trouble.

Before we act, decide, or commit to something—especially major decisions—we should pause, pray, and seek God’s direction through His Word, His Spirit, and godly counsel. Moving ahead without Him risks making choices we will regret.

The story in Joshua 9 reminds us that the greatest mistakes often come, not from outright rebellion, but from moving ahead without asking God first. The Israelites’ failure to seek the Lord’s counsel left them trapped in a decision they could not undo.

In our own lives, every choice—whether it feels small or life-changing—should begin with prayer. God is willing to guide us, protect us from deception, and lead us into His best for us, but we must slow down long enough to listen.

When we trust in the Lord with all our hearts, acknowledge Him in all our ways, and seek His counsel before acting, we invite His wisdom into our decisions. And when God is in it, there is peace, clarity, and blessing.

So before you make your next move—pause, pray, and ask God first. You’ll never regret waiting for His direction.