for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just about getting advice for big battles; it highlights that "making your war" means you actively start and manage the conflict through wise planning, not just reacting. True victory doesn't just come from having many advisors, but from the abundance of their counsel, suggesting a deep well of wisdom to draw from.
for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This proverb appears in a section of Proverbs that offers practical advice to the wise, contrasting their approach with that of fools. It builds on the previous verse's warning about acting rashly, emphasizing that thoughtful planning and gathering input are essential for success, whether in literal battles or the broader struggles of life. The idea of "making war" with wise counsel sets the stage for understanding how to navigate conflicts and challenges effectively through careful consideration and collective wisdom.
Think of your biggest challenge right now. Does it feel like a battle? This verse says wisdom isn't just about knowing things; it's about how you fight.
Proverbs isn't just giving general advice; it's speaking about effective strategy. The Hebrew word for 'make your war' can also imply 'wage your war successfully' or 'prepare for your war.' This means wise counsel isn't passive; it's an active, strategic tool. It helps you understand the battlefield, identify your enemy (whether it's sin, a difficult situation, or a deceptive temptation), and plan your approach. Without wise counsel, you're just reacting, not truly winning.
Strategy Over Brute Force
Many battles are lost not because people lack strength, but because they lack a plan. Wisdom provides that plan. It’s about discerning the right steps to take, the right time to act, and the right way to confront challenges.
Ever felt like you're the only one trying to figure something out? This verse offers a powerful truth: wisdom isn't a solitary pursuit, and victory often comes through community.
The verse emphasizes 'abundance of counselors' leading to 'victory' (some translations also use 'safety'). This isn't just about having more people to talk to; it’s about tapping into a diversity of God-given wisdom.
The Power of Many Perspectives
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When you surround yourself with wise, godly people – mentors, trusted friends, spiritual leaders – you gain multiple vantage points. One person might see what you miss, another might offer a perspective you hadn’t considered, and together, these insights build a stronger defense and a clearer path to triumph. It's about humility to recognize you don't have all the answers and the wisdom to seek them from others who are walking with God.
Understand the original words
tachbulah · Hebrew Noun
Practical insight, skill for living, or applied knowledge gained through experience and fearing God. It is the ability to discern and act rightly in various life situations.
teshu'ah · Hebrew Noun
The state or quality of winning, salvation, deliverance, or safety. It implies triumph over obstacles or enemies through God's aid or sound strategy.
This passage directly echoes the second half of our verse, emphasizing that 'where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.' It reinforces the idea that seeking advice is crucial for stability and success.
Proverbs 20:18This verse shares the first half of our verse, stating 'plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.' It highlights that effective planning, like successful warfare, depends on wise counsel.
Ephesians 6:12Paul talks about our spiritual warfare, not against flesh and blood, but against unseen spiritual forces. This connects to Proverbs' idea of 'war,' reminding us that wisdom and counsel are essential for navigating these spiritual battles too.
2 Samuel 19:2This verse uses the word 'victory' in a context of choosing sides in a conflict, mirroring the translation of 'safety' or 'victory' in Proverbs 24:6. It shows how wise counsel leads to a favorable outcome in times of conflict.
clarkeProverbs 24:6: "For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellers there is safety."
By wise counsel thou shalt make thy war - See note on Proverbs 20:18 .
ellicottProverbs 24:6: "For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellers there is safety."
(6) Wise counsel.— See above on Proverbs 1:5 . In the great spiritual fight also ( Ephesians 6:12 ) we need wise counsel, to see the end to be aimed at, and the means of attaining it.
This verse isn't just about getting advice for big battles; it highlights that "making your war" means you actively start and manage the conflict through wise planning, not just reacting. True victory doesn't just come from having many advisors, but from the abundance of their counsel, suggesting a deep well of wisdom to draw from.
This proverb appears in a section of Proverbs that offers practical advice to the wise, contrasting their approach with that of fools. It builds on the previous verse's warning about acting rashly, emphasizing that thoughtful planning and gathering input are essential for success, whether in literal battles or the broader struggles of life. The idea of "making war" with wise counsel sets the stage for understanding how to navigate conflicts and challenges effectively through careful consideration and collective wisdom.
This proverb appears in a section of Proverbs that offers practical advice to the wise, contrasting their approach with that of fools. It builds on the previous verse's warning about acting rashly, emphasizing that thoughtful planning and gathering input are essential for success, whether in literal battles or the broader struggles of life. The idea of "making war" with wise counsel sets the stage for understanding how to navigate conflicts and challenges effectively through careful consideration and collective wisdom.
"for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory." — This verse isn't just about getting advice for big battles; it highlights that "making your war" means you actively start and manage the conflict through wise planning, not just reacting. True vi…
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Last reviewed October 2026