Proverbs 20:18 kjv
Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.
Proverbs 20:18 nkjv
Plans are established by counsel; By wise counsel wage war.
Proverbs 20:18 niv
Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance.
Proverbs 20:18 esv
Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance wage war.
Proverbs 20:18 nlt
Plans succeed through good counsel;
don't go to war without wise advice.
Proverbs 20 18 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Prov 11:14 | Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors... | Multitude of counselors for safety. |
| Prov 15:22 | Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established. | Plans fail without counsel, succeed with many. |
| Prov 24:6 | For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety. | Wise counsel for warfare and safety. |
| Prov 1:5 | A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: | Wise attain to good counsels. |
| Prov 12:15 | The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise. | Fools self-reliant; wise heed counsel. |
| Prov 13:10 | Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom. | Wisdom found with the well-advised. |
| Prov 19:20 | Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. | Hear counsel for future wisdom. |
| Job 12:13 | With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding. | God possesses ultimate counsel. |
| Isa 30:1 | Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me... | Woe for counsel taken not from God. |
| Isa 9:6 | For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given... His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor... | Christ is the ultimate Counsellor. |
| Jer 32:19 | Great in counsel, and mighty in work... | God is great in counsel. |
| Matt 7:24-27 | Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock... | Acting on wise instruction builds firmly. |
| Luke 14:31-32 | Or 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...? | Planning and assessment for warfare. |
| James 1:5 | If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally... | Ask God for wisdom for decision-making. |
| Psa 33:10-11 | The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever... | God's counsel prevails over human plans. |
| Prov 16:3 | Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. | Commit to God for established plans. |
| Prov 16:9 | A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps. | Man plans, but God directs the steps. |
| Prov 4:7 | Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. | Wisdom as the most important acquisition. |
| Prov 14:8 | The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit. | Prudence involves understanding one's path. |
| Prov 2:6 | For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. | God is the source of wisdom and understanding. |
| Neh 4:6 | So built we the wall... for the people had a mind to work. | Unity and dedication for work (implies planning). |
| Gen 49:6 | O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, my honour, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man... | Reject wicked counsel/planning. |
| Prov 8:12-14 | I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions... Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom... | Wisdom personified offers counsel. |
| Act 20:23 | ...the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. | Spirit provides warning, which is a form of guidance. |
| Rom 8:28 | And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God... | God works through plans for good. |
Proverbs 20 verses
Proverbs 20 18 Meaning
Proverbs 20:18 conveys that all plans and intentions require careful deliberation and wise counsel to be brought to a firm and successful conclusion. It emphasizes that sound advice is indispensable for managing significant undertakings, illustrating this principle with the extreme example of preparing for warfare.
Proverbs 20 18 Context
Proverbs is a book of wisdom, offering practical guidance for living a righteous life pleasing to God. Chapter 20 specifically presents a collection of maxims dealing with integrity, self-control, justice, and diligent labor. It touches upon various aspects of daily life, warning against specific follies and promoting virtues. Verse 18 fits within this larger tapestry by addressing the importance of strategic planning and wise counsel for any significant undertaking, not just in times of war, but in all significant decisions of life. The advice is framed for leaders and individuals alike, emphasizing prudent foresight over impulsive action.
Proverbs 20 18 Word analysis
- Every purpose (מַחֲשָׁבָה, machashavah): Refers to any thought, plan, device, or intention. It's comprehensive, signifying that this principle applies to all significant aims, not just military ones.
- Established (תִּכֹּן, tikkon): From the root kun, meaning to be firm, stable, confirmed, prepared, or securely ordered. It suggests that a plan gains stability and achieves success through proper means.
- by counsel (בְעֵצָה, b'etzah): Etzah refers to advice, counsel, purpose, or plan. It can be human counsel, but ultimately implies wisdom that aligns with God's principles. Seeking advice from others is crucial because it brings different perspectives and helps to identify blind spots or potential pitfalls.
- with good advice (וּבְתַחְבֻּלוֹת, uv’takhbulot): Takhbulot denotes wise counsel, skillful management, guidance, or strategies, often carrying a nautical connotation (like the skillful maneuvering of a helmsman to navigate treacherous waters). It implies detailed, shrewd, and strategic planning, not just general advice but expert guidance.
- make war (תַּעֲשֶׂה מִלְחָמָה, ta'aseh milchamah): Literally "you shall make war" or "do war." War is chosen as the supreme example of a highly consequential undertaking, where stakes are life and death, and failure due to poor planning is catastrophic. The inclusion of war underscores the vital necessity of meticulous planning and wisdom in any weighty decision or difficult task.
Words-group by words-group analysis
- "Every purpose is established by counsel": This foundational phrase emphasizes the universal application of seeking guidance. Any goal or intention, regardless of its scale, finds its firm foundation and achieves its intended outcome when shaped and solidified through wise deliberation and advice.
- "and with good advice make war": This specific injunction highlights a high-stakes scenario to illustrate the principle's critical importance. The complexity and gravity of "making war" require not just general counsel but deeply skilled and strategic planning (takhbulot). This teaches that for any significant and challenging endeavor, comprehensive and astute foresight is paramount. It implicitly warns against impulsive, ill-prepared, or solo decisions when great outcomes are at stake.
Proverbs 20 18 Bonus section
The concept of takhbulot (good advice/skillful direction) as being like a helmsman guiding a ship through storms or past hazards further emphasizes the dynamic and active nature of wise counsel. It's not passive reception of advice, but active, skillful navigation of complex situations. The polemical undertone of this proverb subtly contrasts the disciplined, prayerful planning of God's people with the often impulsive and unadvised actions of those who rely solely on their own limited understanding or worldly might. True counsel often points back to the wisdom that originates with God Himself.
Proverbs 20 18 Commentary
Proverbs 20:18 is a timeless principle emphasizing the necessity of consultation and careful planning before acting, particularly in momentous situations. The verse highlights that no endeavor, however noble its intent, can achieve its "established" or successful state without sound advice. The act of "making war" serves as the ultimate example because it demands meticulous strategy, accounting for all variables, risks, and potential outcomes. Rushed or prideful decisions, ignoring counsel, inevitably lead to failure, reflecting a profound lack of wisdom. Conversely, humility in seeking varied perspectives and employing astute, well-thought-out strategies prepares one for complex challenges, ensuring the best possible outcome. This principle extends to all of life's significant "battles" – business ventures, major life decisions, conflict resolution, or spiritual struggles. The wise person consults others, ultimately seeking divine wisdom.