Proverbs 15:22

KJV

¶ Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

KJV (with Strong's)

Without counsel {H5475} purposes {H4284} are disappointed {H6565}: but in the multitude {H7230} of counsellors {H3289} they are established {H6965}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Without deliberation, plans go wrong; but with many advisers, they succeed.

Berean Standard Bible

Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

American Standard Version

Where there is no counsel, purposes are disappointed; But in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 15:22 delivers profound wisdom regarding the critical role of counsel in planning and decision-making. It presents a stark antithesis: plans conceived in isolation or without sound guidance are destined for frustration and failure, whereas those developed through the collective wisdom and diverse input of multiple advisors are firmly established and brought to successful fruition. This proverb underscores the humility required to seek external perspective and the inherent strength found in communal deliberation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 15:22 is situated within a larger collection of Solomon's proverbs, particularly those offering practical wisdom for daily living, moral conduct, and effective leadership. Chapter 15 itself is rich with contrasts, juxtaposing the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked, and the outcomes of different behaviors. For instance, immediately preceding this verse, [Proverbs 15:21](/proverbs/15-21 "Proverbs 15:21 - The Folly of the Fool") speaks of folly being joy to him that is destitute of wisdom, while a man of understanding walks uprightly, setting the stage for the contrast between isolated, foolish decision-making and wise, collaborative planning. Following it, [Proverbs 15:23](/proverbs/15-23 "Proverbs 15:23 - A Word in Season") emphasizes the joy of a timely word, further highlighting the value of verbal wisdom and discernment. This verse, therefore, fits seamlessly into the chapter's overarching theme of discerning wisdom from folly, particularly in the realm of strategic action and personal conduct.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, as in many ancient Near Eastern societies, wisdom was not merely theoretical knowledge but practical skill for living well. Kings, judges, and heads of households frequently sought counsel from elders, prophets, and experienced advisors. The concept of a "council" (often implied by "multitude of counsellors") was a recognized institution for important decisions, from military strategy to legal judgments. This cultural emphasis on collective wisdom stemmed from an understanding that no single individual possessed all knowledge or insight, and that God often revealed His will through the discernment of multiple, godly individuals. Furthermore, the patriarchal and communal structure of Israelite society meant that individual decisions often had ripple effects on the family, clan, and nation, making collective deliberation a societal imperative for stability and prosperity.

* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 15:22 contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent throughout the Book of Proverbs. First, it powerfully illustrates the **value of wisdom and discernment**, contrasting the negative outcomes of its absence with the positive results of its presence. Second, it highlights the **importance of humility**, as seeking counsel requires acknowledging one's own limitations and the need for external input. This theme is echoed in passages like [Proverbs 3:5-7](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-7 - Trust in the Lord") which advises against leaning on one's own understanding. Third, the proverb champions **communal wisdom over individualistic folly**, a concept central to the biblical understanding of a healthy community where members contribute to the common good. Fourth, it speaks to the practical aspect of **effective planning and execution**, demonstrating that success is often contingent not just on good intentions, but on sound, well-vetted strategies. This idea is further reinforced in [Proverbs 20:18](/proverbs/20-18 "Proverbs 20:18 - Plans Established by Counsel"), which states, "Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **counsel (Hebrew, _çôwd'_):** From H5475, this word denotes a session, a company of persons in close deliberation, or by implication, intimacy and a secret. In this context, it refers to the intimate, often confidential, consultation or deliberation among a trusted group. Its absence implies a lack of such deep, shared wisdom and strategic planning.
* **purposes (Hebrew, _machăshâbâh'_):** From H4284, this term signifies a contrivance, an intention, or a plan. It can refer to both good and bad designs, but here it speaks of one's intentions or objectives. The proverb addresses the fate of these carefully considered plans or thoughts.
* **established (Hebrew, _qûwm'_):** From H6965, this primitive root means to rise, to stand, to confirm, or to make firm. When applied to purposes, it implies that they are confirmed, made stable, brought to fruition, or successfully implemented. It conveys the idea of durability and successful execution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Without counsel purposes are disappointed:"** This clause sets the negative premise. When plans or intentions (`machăshâbâh`) are formed or pursued without the benefit of `çôwd` (intimate, shared counsel or deliberation), they are destined to fail or be frustrated. The underlying Hebrew for "disappointed" (H6565, _pârar'_) means to break up, violate, or frustrate, indicating that such plans will be rendered void, ineffective, or simply fall apart. It suggests that even well-intentioned endeavors lack the necessary foresight, robustness, or adaptability to succeed if they are not subjected to external scrutiny and wisdom.
* **"but in the multitude of counsellors they are established."** This clause presents the antithetical, positive outcome. The presence of a "multitude" (H7230, _rôb'_, meaning abundance or great number) of "counsellors" (H3289, _yâʻats'_, meaning those who advise or consult) provides the necessary wisdom. When plans are subjected to diverse perspectives, critical evaluation, and collective insight, they are `qûwm` (established, confirmed, or made firm). This implies that the variety of viewpoints helps identify flaws, strengthen strategies, and anticipate obstacles, leading to greater stability and successful realization of the purposes.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 15:22 masterfully employs **Antithetical Parallelism**, a common feature in wisdom literature. The two clauses of the verse present contrasting ideas that highlight the central message: the negative consequence of lacking counsel is set against the positive outcome of having abundant counsel. This direct opposition ("Without counsel... disappointed" vs. "in the multitude of counsellors... established") makes the proverb's point clear and memorable. The use of **Personification** is also evident, as "purposes" are described as being "disappointed" or "established," attributing human-like experiences to abstract concepts to emphasize their fate. The proverb also uses **Juxtaposition** to place the two contrasting scenarios side-by-side, amplifying the impact of the wisdom being conveyed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb deeply resonates with the biblical emphasis on wisdom, community, and the divine ordering of life. It teaches that God, who is the source of all wisdom, often dispenses it through the collective discernment of His people. The act of seeking counsel is an act of humility, acknowledging human limitations and dependence on a broader understanding, which ultimately points to dependence on God. It underscores that isolation often leads to error, while collaboration, guided by godly principles, leads to flourishing. This principle is not merely practical advice but reflects a theological truth about the interconnectedness of believers and the value God places on shared wisdom within His covenant community.

* [Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Safety in Counsel")
* [Proverbs 24:6](/proverbs/24-6 "Proverbs 24:6 - Warfare by Wise Counsel")
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Asking God for Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 15:22 provides timeless guidance for every aspect of life, from personal decisions to corporate leadership and spiritual growth. It calls us to cultivate a posture of humility, recognizing that our individual perspectives are limited and prone to blind spots. True wisdom often emerges from the crucible of diverse viewpoints, where ideas are challenged, refined, and strengthened. This means actively seeking out trusted advisors—mentors, friends, family, or spiritual leaders—who can offer honest, godly input. It encourages us to resist the temptation of isolated planning, which often leads to frustration and failure, and instead embrace the enriching process of collaborative discernment. In a world that often champions individual autonomy, this proverb reminds us of the profound strength and stability found in communal wisdom, urging us to build relationships where wise counsel is both given and received.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I most prone to making decisions without seeking counsel?**
* **Who are the "multitude of counsellors" in my life, and how can I more intentionally engage with them?**
* **What specific steps can I take to cultivate a more humble and receptive attitude towards advice, even when it challenges my initial ideas?**
* **How does seeking counsel from others reflect my dependence on God's wisdom, which is often mediated through His people?**

### FAQ
**What does "disappointed" mean in the context of this proverb?**

Answer: In Proverbs 15:22, "disappointed" (from the Hebrew _pârar_) means that purposes or plans are frustrated, broken, or made void. It suggests that without proper counsel, efforts will likely fail to achieve their intended outcome, leading to futility and discouragement. This is not merely a feeling of disappointment but an actual failure of the plan itself.

**Does this proverb mean I should always get advice from everyone?**

Answer: Not necessarily "everyone," but rather a "multitude" of *counsellors*—implying multiple, wise, and trusted individuals. The emphasis is on diverse and sound input, not simply gathering opinions indiscriminately. The quality and character of the counsellors are paramount. As [Proverbs 13:20](/proverbs/13-20 "Proverbs 13:20 - Walk with the Wise") states, "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed." The goal is to seek out those who possess wisdom, experience, and discernment.

**How does this proverb apply to spiritual decision-making?**

Answer: In spiritual decision-making, this proverb encourages believers to seek wisdom not only from God's Word and prayer but also from mature, godly individuals within the community of faith. This could include pastors, elders, mentors, or trusted Christian friends. Just as worldly plans benefit from diverse input, so too does navigating God's will for one's life. The collective wisdom of the body of Christ, guided by the Holy Spirit, can provide clarity, accountability, and confirmation, helping to ensure that spiritual purposes are "established" according to God's will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 15:22 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the very **Wisdom of God** personified. While the proverb speaks of the need for human counsel, it ultimately points to the supreme counsel found in God Himself. Jesus, as the "Wonderful Counselor" prophesied in [Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Wonderful Counselor"), embodies all wisdom and knowledge, and His life and teachings represent the perfect plan established by God. Our "purposes" or lives, when surrendered to His divine counsel, are truly "established" and will never be disappointed. Furthermore, the New Testament church, as the body of Christ, becomes the "multitude of counsellors" where the Holy Spirit works through believers to offer guidance, discernment, and mutual edification. When believers gather in Christ's name, seeking His will and sharing wisdom, they participate in the divine counsel that ensures God's purposes are not frustrated but are powerfully brought to pass, culminating in the ultimate establishment of His kingdom through the redemptive work of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Thus, the proverb's wisdom finds its deepest resonance in the person and work of Christ, and in the collective wisdom of His Spirit-filled church, which is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Cornerstone")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 11:14

¶ Where no counsel [is], the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors [there is] safety.

Proverbs 20:18

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

Ecclesiastes 8:6

¶ Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man [is] great upon him.