Plans fail for lack of counsel
Proverbs 15:22 - We can find answers to almost any question in the 66 books of the Bible, but only if we ponder the Word frequently and prayerfully.
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“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
Proverbs 15:22 NIV
One thing I love about the Proverbs is that they not only provide guidelines for righteous living, but also contain practical advice for everyday life. That’s the case with today’s proverb, which makes the wise suggestion that it useful to get other opinions before making decisions.
In the Enduring Word commentary for this verse, David Guzik says that “Wisdom understands that other people also have wisdom.” How often have you made or watched other people make decisions without getting advice from others? I know that I learned much too late in my life that it helps a lot to get the opinions and ideas of other people before committing to a plan.
What can cause us to refuse to seek advice from others? A lack of humility. When we think that we know everything, we choose to ignore thoughtful and often correct counter-opinions from other people. In that same Enduring Word commentary I found this wonderful quote:
i. “Our wisdom lies in self-distrust, or at least allowing for the possibility that we may often be wrong! So it is most expedient, especially in important matters, to seek experienced counsel.” (Charles Bridges, 1846 book “Proverbs”)
Barb and I have been studying the Second World War in detail for the past several years, and I’m currently reading the second of six hefty tomes written by Winston Churchill, who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during the war. In this second book (“Their Finest Hour”), it’s obvious that one of the things that led to the Allied success in World War II was that Churchill depended on his War Cabinet for input on almost every decision about the conduct of the war, big or small. Contrast that with the leadership style of Adolf Hitler, who rarely sought or listened to advice from others, and who fortunately made enough bad decisions to lose the war, tragically at a cost of millions of lives…
I wouldn’t be surprised to discover in one of Churchill’s books that he took Proverb 24:6 to heart as well: “Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers.”
There is another source of wisdom and advice that we should consult before committing to plans: the Word of God. We can find answers to almost any question in the 66 books of the Bible, but only if we ponder the Word frequently and prayerfully.
Let’s look at some additional commentary on Proverbs 15:22 from Precept Austin:
Bruce Waltke: The plans of the arrogant, headstrong, and obstinate person, based on his exaggerated opinion of himself, court failure because without correction they tend to be self-serving and defy reality.
John Phillips - It is foolhardy to act without knowing all the facts. It is sensible to get a second opinion. It is sensible to consider that opinion even when it differs materially from our own. It is sensible to evaluate other points of view and to weigh all the evidence. Then, even if we do make a wrong decision, we will make an honest mistake.
Matthew Henry - Of what ill consequence it is to be precipitate and rash, and to act without advice. Men's purposes are disappointed, their measures broken, and they come short of their point, gain not their end, because they would not ask counsel about the way. If men will not take time and pains to deliberate with themselves, or are so confident of their own judgment that they scorn to consult with others, they are not likely to bring any thing considerable to pass; circumstances defeat them which, with a little consultation, might have been foreseen and obviated. It is a good rule, both in public and domestic affairs, to do nothing rashly and of one's own head. Plus vident oculi quam oculus - Many eyes see more than one. That often proves best which was least our own doing.
One final thought: what God has planned for us isn’t always what we have planned. When His counsel and that of the people we consider trustworthy and wise points us in another direction, it’s best to reconsider our plans.
Heaven On Wheels Daily Prayer:
Lord, help me not to plan alone or rush ahead without wisdom. Bring the right people into my life to guide me, and give me the humility to listen. Lead my steps so that my plans succeed in Your will. I ask this in Jesus’ name, AMEN.