Proverbs 20:18

Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.
– Proverbs 20:18

The word for counsel means advice and the word for advice literally means steerage, and therefore, guidance. Elsewhere, the Scripture shows the importance of good counsel in going to war (2 Samuel 15:32-37; 16:15-17:23). The image of going to war, or battle, though not in the purview of ordinary people, illustrates the importance of the principle. The pattern suggested by the proverb is to make plans by seeking sound advice and wise guidance, and then to go to battle (Proverbs 15:22; 24:6; 25:8). The life or death nature of going to war highlights the importance of counsel proportionate to the importance of the decision. So the more important the decision, the more important it is to have good counsel. Contrast this with the fool who has no patience or relish for advice (Proverbs 1:7; 10:8; 12:15; 15:5).

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