Bible Verses When You Don't Know What to Do
The short answer
2 Chronicles 20:12, James 1:5, Psalm 32:8 and Proverbs 3:5-6 are the passages to read when a decision is stuck. The most direct is 2 Chronicles 20:12, where a king prays we know not what to do, but our eyes are upon thee — Scripture treats not knowing as something to say out loud rather than something to hide.
Not knowing what to do is a position Scripture takes seriously. It is prayed about openly, by people with real responsibility.
Where to begin
Three passages for a decision that will not come clear.
2 Chronicles 20:12
Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no might against this great company that comes against us. We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”
Biblical context
King Jehoshaphat prays this publicly with the people of Judah as three armies advance on them.
Selah’s reflection
Admitting he does not know what to do is the prayer, not the preface to it.
James 1:5
But 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.
Biblical context
James writes to scattered believers facing trials, and this sits directly after a passage about endurance.
Selah’s reflection
Upbraideth not matters: the asking is not treated as an embarrassment.
Psalm 32:8
I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go. I will counsel you with my eye on you.
Biblical context
A psalm about confession and relief, where guidance follows honesty rather than preceding it.
Selah’s reflection
Teaching takes time. The verse describes a relationship rather than an announcement.
Further passages
Proverbs 11:14
Where there is no wise guidance, the nation falls, but in the multitude of counselors there is victory.
Biblical context
A proverb about governance, applied more widely in the wisdom tradition.
Selah’s reflection
Scripture repeatedly treats good advice from other people as part of how guidance comes.
Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O man, what is good. What does Yahweh require of you, but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?
Biblical context
The prophet answers a question about what God wants, cutting through elaborate religious offerings.
Selah’s reflection
When the specific decision is unclear, the general direction is not. This verse is often enough to rule some options out.
Psalm 25:4-5
Show me your ways, Yahweh. Teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth, and teach me, For you are the God of my salvation, I wait for you all day long.
Biblical context
A psalm of trust that repeatedly asks for teaching rather than for outcomes.
Selah’s reflection
The request is for a way of walking rather than for a map.
A short prayer
God, I have turned this over from every side and I still do not know. I am not asking for certainty. Give me enough wisdom to take the next honest step.
A question to sit with
Which option would you choose if you were not afraid of being wrong?
Try Selah
Tell Selah what tonight actually feels like, and it will help you find relevant passages for this moment.
Open the Selah verse finder