Proverbs 24:6 - Printer Friendly

ESV: for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.

NIV: Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers.

NASB: For by wise guidance you will wage war, And in an abundance of counselors there is victory.

CSB: for you should wage war with sound guidance— victory comes with many counselors.

NLT: So don’t go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many advisers.

KJV: For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.

NKJV: For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, And in a multitude of counselors there is safety.

Self-confidence and self-reliance should never mean ignoring the wisdom of other people (Proverbs 12:15). This teaching began in the prior verse (Proverbs 24:5) by noting that wisdom makes a person powerful (Proverbs 21:22). A wise person seeks the advice of many qualified counselors before he enters a battle. This practice is not a magical formula to guarantee success, yet it drastically improves one's chances of victory. Other proverbs noted the immense value of seeking advice and wisdom before engaging in one's efforts (Proverbs 11:14; 15:22).

The Christian life is full of battles as spiritual warfare rages. We learn from Ephesians 6:12 that "we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." First Peter 5:8 tells us to "be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." Fortunately, no Christian is alone in this warfare. Christ, the "Wonderful Counselor" (Isaiah 9:6) is always with each believer, and the Holy Spirit, "another Helper," is alongside (John 14:16). Furthermore, the Lord has placed in the church teaching pastors to help build us up in the faith (Ephesians 4:11–12). He has also given His Word as a sword to use in battling the devil (Ephesians 6:17). With all this available counsel victory is certain.

Proverbs 24:1–12 exhorts Solomon's son, or student, not to be jealous of immoral people or desire their friendship. Solomon contrasts godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:7) with foolishness and calls upon his son to rescue those who are unjustly oppressed. Failing to do so, under the all-seeing eyes of the Lord, cannot be excused. This continues a series of wise sayings endorsed by Solomon (Proverbs 22:17–21).

Solomon continues to list wise sayings (Proverbs 22:17–21), rounding out his promised list of thirty teachings. These endorse integrity, accepting good advice, reputation, and ethical actions. The lessons also stress godly attitudes about vengeance, bitterness, and companionship. After verse 23 come additional proverbs. These may or may not have been Solomon's own words, but at least some appear to be his thoughts. Key points in these verses are the need for impartiality in judgment, godly reputation, and work ethic.

This chapter continues thirty sayings of wise people (Proverbs 22:17–21), as collected and endorsed by Solomon. The remainder of the passage are additional wise statements, which are not as clearly attributed. Some of the lessons are framed as warnings, followed by reasons. The lessons contained here are more detailed than most of the proverbs in this book.

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.