Proverbs 20:18
Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.
Original Language Analysis
מַ֭חֲשָׁבוֹת
Every purpose
H4284
מַ֭חֲשָׁבוֹת
Every purpose
Strong's:
H4284
Word #:
1 of 6
a contrivance, i.e., (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice)
תִכּ֑וֹן
is established
H3559
תִכּ֑וֹן
is established
Strong's:
H3559
Word #:
3 of 6
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
וּ֝בְתַחְבֻּל֗וֹת
and with good advice
H8458
וּ֝בְתַחְבֻּל֗וֹת
and with good advice
Strong's:
H8458
Word #:
4 of 6
(only in plural) properly, steerage (as a management of ropes), i.e., (figuratively) guidance or (by implication) a plan
Cross References
Proverbs 24:6For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.Luke 14:31Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?Proverbs 15:22Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.Proverbs 11:14Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.Judges 20:18And the children of Israel arose, and went up to the house of God, and asked counsel of God, and said, Which of us shall go up first to the battle against the children of Benjamin? And the LORD said, Judah shall go up first.Judges 20:7Behold, ye are all children of Israel; give here your advice and counsel.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern kings employed counselors and military strategists. Israel's defeats often resulted from ignoring prophetic counsel, while victories came through obedience to divine strategy.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you seek wise counsel before major decisions, or do you proceed independently?
- Who are the godly counselors you trust to speak biblical truth into your life?
Analysis & Commentary
Success in any enterprise requires counsel—seeking wise advice before acting. 'Established by counsel' indicates that sound plans rest on collective wisdom, not individual impulse. The specific application to warfare emphasizes the need for strategic planning under experienced guidance. War is too consequential to wage impulsively; victory requires careful strategy. This principle extends beyond military matters to all significant decisions. Seeking counsel demonstrates humility, wisdom, and recognition of our limitations. The fool proceeds alone; the wise seek multitudes of advisers (Proverbs 11:14). Ultimately, believers should seek counsel from Scripture, wise believers, and through prayer—submitting all plans to God's revealed will.