Proverbs 20:18 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance wage war.

NIV: Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance.

NASB: Prepare plans by consultation, And make war by wise guidance.

CSB: Finalize plans with counsel, and wage war with sound guidance.

NLT: Plans succeed through good counsel; don’t go to war without wise advice.

KJV: Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.

NKJV: Plans are established by counsel; By wise counsel wage war.

Seeking advice from others is strongly advised in the book of Proverbs (Proverbs 11:14; 18:17; 19:27). Good plans based on wise guidance are valuable when waging war. The same general idea applies to all situations. Diligence and planning are important (Proverbs 12:24; 15:22), even as we recognize that everything is subject to God's sovereign will (James 4:13–15). As a king and judge, Solomon understood this truth by personal experience.

Christians face many battles in the war against the Devil. He employs numerous schemes and evil allies against us. Ephesians 6:11 counsels us to put on the whole armor of God in this war. Verse 12 informs us we wrestle against a hierarchy of dark forces: "against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." However, God gives us specific wise counsel by telling us to put on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and shoes of the gospel of peace. Also, we are supposed to employ the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is God's Word. Finally, we are advised to pray at all times in the Spirit and to stay alert (Ephesians 6:13–18).

Proverbs 20:12–30 touches on a variety of subjects as Solomon (Proverbs 10:1) wisely observes what is right and what is wrong. He censures deceit and dishonest gain but commends honesty, love, and loyalty. This section also includes common sense reminders about topics like business and hastiness.

In this section of Solomon's wise sayings (Proverbs 10:1), he again discusses a wide range of subjects. These echo many of the common themes of the book of Proverbs. Solomon warns against foolishness (Proverbs 1:7), hastiness, angering authorities, and the consequences of sin and dishonesty. Several references condemn dishonest business dealings. Others note the value of diligence in making decisions.

This chapter of Proverbs belongs to the second division of the book that extends from Proverbs chapter 10 to chapter 22, in which there are nearly 400 wise sayings. Proverbs 20 continues the collection of Solomon's wise sayings. In this chapter Solomon focuses on numerous things which harm the unwise. Among them are laziness, wrong values, and bad decisions.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.