Strength in Trouble
Only with sound guidance should you wage war, and victory lies in a multitude of counselors. Proverbs 24:6 · Berean Standard Bible
Before you commit to something big—especially something risky—get good advice and listen to multiple people who know what they're talking about.
Ancient kings went to war; you face major decisions. Either way, flying solo is dangerous. The teacher is saying that victory comes through humility enough to listen and wisdom enough to gather good counsel.
A wisdom teacher drawing on military and political observation.
This reflects what we see throughout Scripture—from Rehoboam ignoring older counselors and losing his kingdom, to the early church making decisions through collective discernment rather than one person deciding alone.
Military strategy succeeds through wise counsel from many advisors, not through rash individual decisions.
The phrase 'sound guidance' translates the Hebrew tachbulot, literally 'steering devices' or 'stratagems' — a technical term from military science. The 'multitude of counselors' (rov yo'etzim) reflects ancient Near Eastern practice where kings convened councils before major military campaigns. This verse represents practical wisdom applied to the highest-stakes arena: warfare. The historical-critical tradition notes this likely reflects the Judean court's experience with military decision-making.
The wisdom teacher, drawing on court experience and military tradition.
This principle of collective wisdom precedes the democratic and collegial structures emphasized in Acts 15's Jerusalem council, where Spirit-led deliberation replaces autocratic decision-making.
4through knowledge its rooms are filled with every precious and beautiful treasure.
5A wise man is strong, and a man of knowledge enhances his strength.
6Only with sound guidance should you wage war, and victory lies in a multitude of counselors.
7Wisdom is too high for a fool; he does not open his mouth in the meeting place.
8He who plots evil will be called a schemer.
Read all of Proverbs 24 — If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength. Wisdom builds a house; by understanding it is established.
This page covers one. BibleKey does all 31,102 — tap any verse for its meaning, any word for its Hebrew or Greek root, and keep reading without leaving the chapter.
Not just the famous ones. BibleKey is free on iPhone and iPad.
Download on the App StoreFree on iPhone & iPad