“The cast lot puts an end to strife and decides between the mighty ones” (Proverbs 18:18 NASB). This Proverb is probably referring to such legal cases that are drawn out and neither side is clearly right or wrong. In such cases, the casting of lots was used to settle what men could not decide (cf. Proverbs 16:33). This concept is useful in our lives as well.

If you cannot come to a common conclusion with a friend or loved one, you may need to compromise or use such matters as a coin toss or draw straws to decide the matter (as long as all parties agree on and honor the method). In addition, many waste time constantly waffling between a couple of choices never coming to a conclusion which one is better. There may not be one that is better than another, but a decision needs to be made. Sometimes we don’t know enough to make a good decision so we just have to pray, pick one, and run with it.

Jeremy Sprouse