Proverbs 24:6 kjv

For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.

Proverbs 24:6 nkjv

For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, And in a multitude of counselors there is safety.

Proverbs 24:6 niv

Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers.

Proverbs 24:6 esv

for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.

Proverbs 24:6 nlt

So don't go to war without wise guidance;
victory depends on having many advisers.

Proverbs 24 verses

Proverbs 24 6 Meaning

Proverbs 24:6 emphasizes that strategic success, particularly in challenging endeavors often likened to "war," is achieved through well-guided counsel. It asserts that seeking wisdom and drawing upon a "multitude of counselors" leads to safety, security, and victorious outcomes. This principle applies to all areas of life where careful planning and collective wisdom are essential to navigate difficulties and attain desired goals.

Proverbs 24 6 Context

Proverbs chapter 24 is part of a collection of "words of the wise" (Proverbs 22:17-24:34), though it contains several sections introduced as from Solomon or wise men. This chapter repeatedly warns against evil associates, emphasizes the importance of diligent work, justice, and the acquisition of wisdom and knowledge.

Verse 6 specifically follows a statement (Proverbs 24:5) that "a wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength." Verse 6 then explains how this strength and knowledge translate into effective action and security: through strategic counsel. It underscores the practical application of wisdom, moving from an abstract concept of "strength" to the concrete reality of winning a "war" or navigating significant challenges. Historically and culturally, warfare was a prevalent reality, and effective leadership involved wise strategy and reliance on trusted advisors, elders, and prophets. The proverb encourages communal decision-making over individual arrogance, valuing the combined perspectives and insights available through a trusted network.

Proverbs 24 6 Word analysis

• For: (KJV: כי - kî, "for," "because," "indeed"). This conjunction introduces the reason or explanation for the preceding statement, specifically detailing how the "strength" of the wise man (from Prov 24:5) is realized and applied effectively.
• by wise counsel: (בְּתַחְבֻּל֖וֹת - bə·taḥ·bul·lōṯ)
  • taḥbullōṯ (תַּחְבֻּלּוֹת): This is a crucial Hebrew term. It literally means "skillful maneuvering," "prudent pilotage," "guidance," or "strategem." Derived from a root related to a "rope," suggesting the steering ropes of a ship, hence, "skilled direction" or "navigation." It conveys the idea of expertly guided plans or tactics, much like a pilot guiding a vessel through treacherous waters. The KJV adds "wise," which is an accurate inference, as taḥbullōṯ inherently implies intelligent, skillful counsel, not just any advice. This isn't about mere talk but practical, effective strategy.
• thou shalt make: (תַּעֲשֶׂה - taʿăśeh, "you shall do/make/execute"). This verb implies action, preparation, and execution. It's not passive reception but active implementation of the counsel received. The responsibility for executing the plan falls on the individual or leader.
• thy war: (מִלְחַמְתֶּ֑ךָ - mil·ḥam·te·ḵā, "your war/battle").
  • milḥamah (מִלְחָמָה): "War," "battle," "conflict." While it directly refers to military engagement, in the broader wisdom literature context, "war" often serves as a metaphor for any significant life struggle, arduous task, or profound challenge that demands strategy, courage, and resilience. It's any serious enterprise where success or failure has major implications.
• and in multitude: (וְרֹ֣ב - wə·rōḇ, "and multitude/abundance/great number"). The wāw (וְ) is a conjunction meaning "and," connecting the two clauses. Rōḇ signifies not just a few, but a significant quantity. It stresses the value of having many perspectives.
• of counsellors: (יוֹעֵ֖ץ - yō·w·ʿēṣ, "counselor," "adviser"). This term refers to one who gives advice or forms plans. Although the form is singular, in context with rōḇ (multitude), it implies a plurality of counselors. These are individuals who possess wisdom, experience, and the capacity to offer sound, strategic advice.
• there is safety: (תְּשׁוּעָֽה - tə·šū·ʿāh, "salvation," "deliverance," "victory," "security," "safety"). This word denotes the positive outcome. It's not just escaping danger but achieving a state of well-being, success, or triumph. In a military context, it's victory. In a broader life context, it's security, peace, and positive resolution.

Proverbs 24 6 Bonus section

• The nuance of taḥbullōṯ as "pilotage" suggests not just receiving advice, but having someone skillfully guide and direct your efforts. This implies the need for skilled and experienced advisors.
• The emphasis on "multitude" should not be mistaken for quantity over quality. The Bible also warns against following the multitude to do evil (Exod 23:2). Thus, the counselors must themselves be wise and their advice sound, preferably aligned with godly principles. A "multitude" of foolish counselors brings disaster (e.g., King Rehoboam's young counselors in 2 Chr 10).
• This proverb provides practical wisdom not only for leaders but for any individual facing significant decisions. It teaches that one person rarely has all the answers and that strength comes from a willingness to listen and learn from others, discerning the truth and acting upon it.

Proverbs 24 6 Commentary

Proverbs 24:6 distills a fundamental principle for effective leadership and successful living: the indispensability of strategic counsel and collaborative wisdom. The term taḥbullōṯ elevates "counsel" from mere advice to expertly guided strategy, akin to the precise navigation required to steer a ship safely through storms. This verse advocates for a consultative approach, particularly when confronting life's "wars"—be they personal crises, business challenges, or spiritual battles. It counters the dangerous self-sufficiency that often leads to arrogance and eventual failure, instead championing humility and the active pursuit of diverse, wise perspectives. The "multitude of counselors" offers varied insights, identifies blind spots, weighs potential consequences, and uncovers optimal solutions that an individual might miss. This collective deliberation ensures greater robustness in planning and significantly increases the probability of attaining "safety," which implies not merely survival but a decisive, favorable outcome or victory. For the believer, this includes seeking counsel from those steeped in God's Word and, ultimately, from God Himself, the ultimate Wonderful Counselor, ensuring that all strategies align with divine truth and purpose.