Proverbs 15:22

Authorized King James Version

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Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

Original Language Analysis

הָפֵ֣ר are disappointed H6565
הָפֵ֣ר are disappointed
Strong's: H6565
Word #: 1 of 7
to break up (usually figuratively), i.e., to violate, frustrate
מַ֭חֲשָׁבוֹת purposes H4284
מַ֭חֲשָׁבוֹת purposes
Strong's: H4284
Word #: 2 of 7
a contrivance, i.e., (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice)
בְּאֵ֣ין H369
בְּאֵ֣ין
Strong's: H369
Word #: 3 of 7
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
ס֑וֹד Without counsel H5475
ס֑וֹד Without counsel
Strong's: H5475
Word #: 4 of 7
a session, i.e., company of persons (in close deliberation); by implication, intimacy, consultation, a secret
וּבְרֹ֖ב but in the multitude H7230
וּבְרֹ֖ב but in the multitude
Strong's: H7230
Word #: 5 of 7
abundance (in any respect)
יוֹעֲצִ֣ים of counsellors H3289
יוֹעֲצִ֣ים of counsellors
Strong's: H3289
Word #: 6 of 7
to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve
תָּקֽוּם׃ they are established H6965
תָּקֽוּם׃ they are established
Strong's: H6965
Word #: 7 of 7
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

Analysis & Commentary

Plans fail without counsel, but succeed with many advisors. This repeats 11:14's emphasis on wisdom through community. God typically guides through biblically-wise counselors, not mystical individual impressions. Rejecting advice reflects proud self-sufficiency contrary to body-of-Christ interdependence.

Historical Context

Kings' counselors provided essential advice for military, political, and economic decisions. Wise kings heeded counsel (David), while foolish ones ignored it to their ruin (Rehoboam).

Questions for Reflection