By
wise guidance you wage your war; and victory is in many advisors.
Proverbs 24:6
Proverbs 24 [5.] A wise man has great power;
and a knowledgeable man increases strength;
for by wise guidance you wage your war;
and victory is in many advisors.
Wisdom is too high for a fool:
he doesn’t open his mouth in the gate.
One who plots to do evil
will be called a schemer.
The schemes of folly are sin.
The mocker is detested by men.
Meaning:
This proverb, attributed to King Solomon, underscores the importance of wisdom and counsel in achieving success.
Wisdom Literature: The Book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings and instructions designed to impart practical wisdom for living a righteous and effective life. It emphasizes the fear of the Lord as the foundation of wisdom.
Themes of Guidance and Counsel: Proverbs often highlights the value of wisdom, understanding, and seeking counsel. Proverbs 24, in particular, includes advice on various aspects of life, including personal conduct, relationships, and decision-making.
- Key Elements of the Verse:
Wise Guidance: This refers to strategic and thoughtful planning based on wisdom. Engaging in any endeavor, especially significant ones like waging war, requires careful consideration and wise advice.
Wage Your War: In this context, "war" can be understood both literally and metaphorically. Literally, it refers to actual military conflict, while metaphorically, it represents any significant challenge or endeavor in life.
Victory in Many Advisers: This phrase underscores the importance of seeking and heeding the advice of multiple wise counselors. Collective wisdom and diverse perspectives contribute to more effective decision-making and increased chances of success.
Theological Significance
- Value of Wisdom:
Foundation of Success: The verse emphasizes that wisdom is crucial for success in any significant undertaking. Proverbs 4:7 states, "Wisdom is supreme. Get wisdom. Yes, though it costs all your possessions, get understanding."
Godly Counsel: True wisdom comes from God, and seeking godly counsel aligns with the biblical principle of trusting in God's guidance. James 1:5 encourages us, "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him."
- Collective Counsel:
Diverse Perspectives: The idea of "many advisers" highlights the importance of diverse perspectives and collective input in making wise decisions. It suggests that no single person has all the answers and that wisdom is often found in community.
Humility and Teachability: Seeking counsel requires humility and a willingness to listen and learn from others. Proverbs 11:14 echoes this sentiment: "Where there is no wise guidance, the nation falls, but in the multitude of counselors there is victory."
Applications for Our Lives
- Making Wise Decisions:
Seek God’s Wisdom: In any significant decision or challenge, seek God's wisdom through prayer and the study of His word. Trust that He will guide you. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths."
Value Counsel: Surround yourself with wise and godly counselors who can provide diverse perspectives and sound advice. Be open to their insights and willing to consider different viewpoints.
- Facing Challenges:
Strategic Planning: Approach challenges with strategic and thoughtful planning based on wisdom and counsel. This applies to various aspects of life, such as career decisions, financial planning, and personal relationships.
Community Support: Recognize the strength and support that comes from being part of a community. Whether it’s a church, family, or group of trusted friends, draw on the collective wisdom and support of those around you.
- Cultivating Humility:
Teachability: Maintain a teachable spirit, always open to learning and growing from the insights of others. Proverbs 12:15 says, "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who is wise listens to counsel."
Acknowledging Limitations: Understand that no one has all the answers and that seeking advice is a sign of strength, not weakness. It reflects a recognition of our own limitations and a reliance on the collective wisdom of others.
Cross-References:
Proverbs 15:22: "Where there is no counsel, plans fail; but in a multitude of counselors they are established." This verse reinforces the principle that seeking counsel leads to the successful establishment of plans, highlighting the value of collective wisdom.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10: "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls, and doesn’t have another to lift him up." These verses emphasize the benefits of companionship and mutual support, illustrating the strength found in numbers.
James 3:17: "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy." James describes the characteristics of godly wisdom, which include purity, peaceableness, and reasonableness, underscoring the importance of seeking divine guidance and counsel.
Conclusion: Proverbs 24:6 highlights the essential role of wise guidance and collective counsel in achieving success, whether in literal battles or life's various challenges. By emphasizing the value of wisdom and the importance of seeking advice from multiple counselors, this verse teaches us to approach significant endeavors with humility, strategic planning, and reliance on the collective wisdom of others.
For us today, this proverb challenges us to seek God's wisdom in all our decisions, to value the counsel of wise and godly advisers, and to cultivate a spirit of humility and teachability. By doing so, we can navigate life's challenges more effectively and experience the victory that comes from wise guidance and collective counsel.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible