DecisionsSample

Why People Make Bad Decisions

Do you know someone who married the wrong person or chose the wrong profession? They are miserable. Why do people make bad choices? Here are seven reasons why:

1. Many listen to the wrong voices. They listen to people around them, instead of listening to God. Rehoboam listened to the young men, scorning the advice of wise elders (1 Kings 12:1–12). 


2. Others live with the wrong motives. Pride is a destructive decision director. When you are full of pride, you will make bad decisions and suffer bad consequences. King Uzziah’s pride meant he was isolated from his people and from God until death (2 Chronicles 26:16–23). 


3. Some people act out of emotion. You should never make a decision out of emotions such as anger. Decisions are meant to be rational. Use your brain instead of just your emotions. Moses was so angry when he saw an Egyptian mistreat two Hebrews that he murdered the Egyptian and had to flee for his life (Exodus 2:11–15). 


4. Many people don’t do their homework. They are just ignorant. They do not take the time they need to research the facts so they can make an informed decision. Nabal claimed ignorance when he refused to help David and his men. His decision imperiled his whole household and led to his own death (1 Samuel 25:1-39). 


5. Many people don’t consider the long-term consequences of their decisions, so they make bad ones. Esau exchanged his birthright for a meal (Genesis 25:29–34).


6. Some people are in spiritual bondage, so much so that they can’t seem to make a clear decision. Their will has been enslaved by their prior decisions, keeping them from making a good decision in the present. Peter describes such people as slaves of depravity (2 Peter 2:19). 


7. People make bad decisions because they are selfish. Selfishness causes you to make bad decisions. King David arranged for Uriah the Hittite to be killed in battle because he selfishly wanted Uriah’s wife for himself (2 Samuel 11:14–17, 12:1–10).

Even when we make bad decisions, grace is available to us. The Scripture that says “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” is followed by one that says, “and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:23–24). Turn to Him for help.