Proverbs 24:6
for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
It's easy to read this as just saying "get good advice." But notice, "make your war" suggests counsel isn't just for planning, it's what enables you to fight effectively. And the "victory" found in many counselors isn't just about avoiding mistakes, it's about finding the path to success.
This proverb follows immediately after a warning against the lazy and foolish who neglect their responsibilities. It then transitions into advice about making wise decisions in life's significant endeavors, which are metaphorically called "wars." This verse emphasizes that true victory and security in any major undertaking come not from brute force, but from thoughtful planning and seeking out the wisdom of others.
Life often feels like a battleground. Ever wonder if there's a strategic advantage beyond sheer force?
This verse highlights that true victory isn't just about brute strength, but about smart strategy. The Hebrew word for 'wage' or 'make' your war suggests not just starting a conflict, but skillfully conducting it. Think of it like a chess game rather than a brawl. The text emphasizes 'wise counsel' as the foundation for this skillful execution. This isn't about reckless aggression, but about thoughtful planning and understanding the landscape of your conflict, whether it's a personal struggle, a relational dispute, or a spiritual fight.
Do you tend to go it alone, or do you lean on others for support and direction?
The second half of the verse shifts focus to the collective wisdom available. 'In abundance of counselors there is victory' (or 'safety' in some translations) is a powerful statement about community. It’s not just having one wise friend; it’s about the richness and safety found in diverse perspectives. Think about it: a single viewpoint can be blind to critical details. But a group, especially a group of wise counselors, can spot blind spots, offer different solutions, and provide encouragement. This applies to everything from making major life decisions to navigating difficult challenges.
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 Proverbs 24:6, emphasizing that 'where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety,' highlighting the consistent theme of wise counsel for security and success.
Proverbs 15:22This verse states, 'where there are no other words, plans go wrong, but with many counselors they succeed,' reinforcing the idea that seeking advice from multiple wise sources is crucial for effective planning and execution, just as it is for waging war.
Proverbs 20:18This verse is a direct precursor to the first half of Proverbs 24:6, stating 'plans are established by taking counsel; by wise guidance wage war.' It links the strategic planning of war directly to seeking wise counsel, establishing a clear connection.
Ephesians 6:12This New Testament passage speaks of our spiritual warfare, reminding us that 'our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.' This highlights that the 'war' in Proverbs is not just literal but also spiritual, requiring profound wisdom and counsel.
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.
It's easy to read this as just saying "get good advice." But notice, "make your war" suggests counsel isn't just for planning, it's what enables you to fight effectively. And the "victory" found in many counselors isn't just about avoiding mistakes, it's about finding the path to success.
This proverb follows immediately after a warning against the lazy and foolish who neglect their responsibilities. It then transitions into advice about making wise decisions in life's significant endeavors, which are metaphorically called "wars." This verse emphasizes that true victory and security in any major undertaking come not from brute force, but from thoughtful planning and seeking out the wisdom of others.
This proverb follows immediately after a warning against the lazy and foolish who neglect their responsibilities. It then transitions into advice about making wise decisions in life's significant endeavors, which are metaphorically called "wars." This verse emphasizes that true victory and security in any major undertaking come not from brute force, but from thoughtful planning and seeking out the wisdom of others.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Proverbs 24:6 is available in the Sola app.
"for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory." — It's easy to read this as just saying "get good advice." But notice, "make your war" suggests counsel isn't just for planning, it's what enables you to fight effectively. And the "victory" found in…
