Proverbs 20:18

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

¶ [Every] purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.

Complete Jewish Bible:

After consultation, plans succeed; so take wise advice when waging war.

Berean Standard Bible:

Set plans by consultation, and wage war under sound guidance.

American Standard Version:

Every purpose is established by counsel; And by wise guidance make thou war.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Every purpose^{H4284} is established^{H3559} by counsel^{H6098}: and with good advice^{H8458} make^{H6213} war^{H4421}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:

BibleHub.com BibleRef.com

Commentary for Proverbs 20:18

Proverbs 20:18, which in the English Standard Version reads, "Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance wage war," encapsulates a principal of wisdom that emphasizes the importance of seeking and heeding advice when making significant decisions, particularly those as weighty as going to war. This proverb reflects the historical context of ancient Israel, where decisions of state, including military campaigns, were made by kings and rulers who were often surrounded by counselors and advisors.

The verse suggests that strategic planning and the success of those plans are greatly influenced by the collective wisdom of a group of trusted advisors. In the context of war, this means that a ruler should not act on impulse or personal judgment alone but should consider the insights and experience of others to make informed and prudent military decisions. The underlying theme is that collaborative planning and wise counsel are crucial for successful outcomes in critical endeavors.

In a broader sense, Proverbs 20:18 can be applied to various aspects of life beyond warfare. It encourages individuals to seek counsel in personal and professional matters, acknowledging that multiple perspectives can lead to more robust strategies and better foresight of potential challenges and outcomes. The verse underscores the value of humility—recognizing one's own limitations and the benefits of collective wisdom—a principle that remains relevant in both personal and communal decision-making processes.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H4284
   There are 52 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מַחֲשָׁבָה
   Transliteration: machăshâbâh
   Pronunciation: makh-ash-aw-baw'
   Description: or מַחֲשֶׁבֶת; from חָשַׁב; a contrivance, i.e. (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice); cunning (work), curious work, device(-sed), imagination, invented, means, purpose, thought.
   
2. Strong's Number: H3559
   There are 210 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: כּוּן
   Transliteration: kûwn
   Pronunciation: koon
   Description: a primitive root; properly, to be erect (i.e. stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix, prepare, apply), or figurative (appoint, render sure, proper or prosperous); certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable, (e-) stablish, stand, tarry, [idiom] very deed.
   
3. Strong's Number: H6098
   There are 85 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עֵצָה
   Transliteration: ʻêtsâh
   Pronunciation: ay-tsaw'
   Description: from יָעַץ; advice; by implication, plan; also prudence; advice, advisement, counsel(l-(or)), purpose.
   
4. Strong's Number: H8458
   There are 6 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: תַּחְבֻּלָה
   Transliteration: tachbulâh
   Pronunciation: takh-boo-law'
   Description: or תַּחְבּוּלָה; from חָבַל as denominative from חֶבֶל; (only in plural) properly, steerage (as a management of ropes), i.e. (figuratively) guidance or (by implication) a plan; good advice, (wise) counsels.
   
5. Strong's Number: H6213
   There are 2286 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עָשָׂה
   Transliteration: ʻâsâh
   Pronunciation: aw-saw'
   Description: a primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application; accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use.
   
6. Strong's Number: H4421
   There are 308 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מִלְחָמָה
   Transliteration: milchâmâh
   Pronunciation: mil-khaw-maw'
   Description: from לָחַם (in the sense of fighting); a battle (i.e. the engagement); generally, war (i.e. warfare); battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior).