Proverbs 20:18

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 20:18 is a profound declaration from the wisdom tradition, asserting that all significant intentions and plans find their stability and success through the diligent application of wise counsel. It underscores the vital importance of thoughtful deliberation and collective wisdom, particularly when embarking on ventures of high consequence, using the metaphor of waging war to exemplify the need for meticulous strategic planning and sound advice to ensure favorable outcomes and avoid the pitfalls of impulsive action.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 20 is part of the "Sayings of Solomon," specifically within a collection of proverbs that often juxtapose wise and foolish behaviors, highlighting the consequences of each. This chapter, like many others in Proverbs, offers practical guidance for daily living, emphasizing themes such as justice, diligence, integrity, and the dangers of various vices. Verse 18 immediately follows a proverb about the deceitfulness of ill-gotten gain (`/proverbs/20-17 "Proverbs 20:17 - The Deceitfulness of Bread of Deceit"`), setting a tone where careful consideration is contrasted with rash decisions. It also precedes a warning against gossip (`/proverbs/20-19 "Proverbs 20:19 - The Danger of a Talebearer"`), further reinforcing the idea that words and actions must be weighed carefully. The verse itself exhibits a classic **parallelism**, common in Proverbs, where the first clause ("Every purpose is established by counsel") is reinforced and amplified by the second ("and with good advice make war"), applying the general principle to a specific, high-stakes scenario.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel and the broader Near East, life was often precarious, and major undertakings—whether agricultural, civic, or military—required significant planning and communal effort. Decisions of war, in particular, were not taken lightly, as they involved immense risk, resources, and the lives of many. Kings and leaders would routinely consult with a council of elders, prophets, or trusted advisors before embarking on campaigns or major construction projects. This practice is evident throughout the Old Testament, from the advice sought by David (`/2_samuel/5-23 "2 Samuel 5:23 - David's Consultation with God"`) to the folly of Rehoboam who rejected the counsel of the elders for that of young men (`/1_kings/12-8 "1 Kings 12:8 - Rehoboam Rejects Elder Counsel"`). Proverbs 20:18 thus reflects a deeply ingrained cultural understanding that collective wisdom was indispensable for navigating complex and perilous situations, grounding abstract principles in the tangible realities of their society.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs. Primarily, it champions the **primacy of wisdom and counsel** in decision-making, asserting that true success is not born of impulsiveness but of deliberate thought and collaborative input. This aligns with the book's consistent call to "get wisdom" (`/proverbs/4-7 "Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is the Principal Thing"`). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **strategic planning and foresight**, particularly in the face of significant challenges. The "making of war" serves as a potent metaphor for any formidable undertaking, emphasizing that even the most daunting tasks require methodical preparation and not just raw courage. Thirdly, it implicitly warns against **hasty decisions and self-reliance**, suggesting that the individual's perspective, however intelligent, is often insufficient for complex matters, underscoring the value of **humility** in seeking external guidance. This theme resonates with other proverbs that commend seeking advice, such as `"/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Safety in a Multitude of Counselors"` and `"/proverbs/15-22 "Proverbs 15:22 - Purposes Disappointed Without Counsel"`.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Purpose (Hebrew, _machăshâbâh'_):** From H4284, this word denotes a contrivance, intention, or plan. It can refer to a design, whether good (advice) or bad (a plot). In Proverbs 20:18, it signifies the initial thought, design, or objective that one sets out to achieve. It is the underlying intent or goal that needs to be brought into reality.
* **Established (Hebrew, _kûwn'_):** From H3559, this primitive root means to be erect, to stand perpendicular, or causatively, to set up, fix, prepare, or render sure and firm. When a purpose is "established," it means it is made firm, confirmed, made stable, or prepared for successful execution. It implies a process of making something secure and ready.
* **Counsel (Hebrew, _ʻêtsâh'_):** From H6098, this term refers to advice, a plan, or prudence. It signifies the input, deliberation, and guidance received from others. It is not merely suggestions but implies a well-considered plan or strategy that results from consultation, forming the bedrock upon which purposes are made firm.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Every purpose is established by counsel:"** This clause sets forth a universal principle: any intention, plan, or goal (machashabah) that one holds will only achieve stability, firmness, or successful realization when it is built upon and confirmed by sound advice or deliberation (etsah). It underscores that the initial idea, however good, requires external validation, refinement, and strategic input to move from concept to concrete reality. This implies a process of careful thought, discussion, and perhaps even revision, rather than mere impulsive action.
* **"and with good advice make war."** This second clause provides a specific and potent example to illustrate the general principle of the first. "Making war" (milchamah) represents an undertaking of the highest stakes, demanding immense resources, strategic foresight, and the potential for catastrophic consequences if mishandled. The phrase "good advice" (tachbulah) here emphasizes the quality of the counsel—it must be skillful, prudent, and effective guidance, akin to the expert steering of a ship. The imperative to "make war" with such advice highlights that even in the most perilous and complex endeavors, success is contingent not on brute force or individual courage alone, but on meticulous planning and collective, wise counsel.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 20:18 employs several powerful literary devices. **Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew poetry, is evident in the two clauses that reinforce each other: "Every purpose is established by counsel" and "with good advice make war." The second clause functions as a specific, high-stakes illustration of the general principle stated in the first, creating a sense of escalating importance. The phrase "make war" serves as a potent **metaphor** or **synecdoche**, where a part (military conflict) stands for the whole (any major, challenging, or risky undertaking in life). It is a vivid example chosen for its inherent complexity and the dire consequences of failure, thereby emphasizing the absolute necessity of counsel for *any* significant endeavor. Furthermore, the use of "good advice" (tachbulah) in the second clause, distinct from the general "counsel" (etsah) in the first, suggests a subtle **intensification** or **refinement** of the concept, implying that for truly critical matters, the quality of the advice is paramount.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb deeply embeds itself within the broader biblical theology of wisdom, emphasizing that true wisdom is not merely intellectual prowess but the practical application of divine insight to daily life. It posits that God's order for the world includes the necessity of careful planning and the humility to seek counsel, recognizing that human understanding is finite. The principle that "every purpose is established by counsel" suggests a divine endorsement of communal discernment and strategic foresight, reflecting God's own orderly and purposeful creation. The wisdom literature consistently portrays God as the ultimate source of all true counsel, and seeking human counsel, when done wisely, is often a means of discerning God's will and aligning human plans with divine purposes. This verse, therefore, is not just about practical efficiency but about living wisely and responsibly before God, acknowledging that even the most ambitious human endeavors require a foundation of well-considered, often collaborative, wisdom.

* [Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.")
* [Proverbs 15:22](/proverbs/15-22 "Proverbs 15:22 - Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.")
* [Proverbs 24:6](/proverbs/24-6 "Proverbs 24:6 - For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 20:18 offers timeless wisdom that transcends ancient battlefields, speaking directly to the complexities of modern life. It calls us to a posture of humility and intentionality in all significant undertakings, whether personal, professional, or spiritual. In a world that often glorifies speed and individual achievement, this proverb reminds us that true strength lies in thoughtful deliberation and the courage to seek and heed the insights of others. It compels us to resist the urge to rush into decisions, especially those with far-reaching consequences, and instead to invest time in prayerful consideration, diligent research, and collaborative discussion with trusted, wise advisors. This principle applies to everything from career changes and financial investments to relational challenges and spiritual growth. Just as a general would not enter battle without a well-devised strategy and the input of his most experienced officers, so too should we approach the "battles" of our lives—our significant projects, difficult conversations, or major life transitions—with the benefit of "good advice," ensuring our purposes are not merely conceived but truly established and brought to fruition.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What significant "purposes" or "battles" am I currently facing in my life that require careful counsel?**
* **From whom do I typically seek advice, and are these sources truly wise and grounded in biblical principles?**
* **Am I prone to making hasty decisions, or do I consistently take the time to deliberate and seek counsel before acting?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater humility to recognize my own blind spots and actively seek diverse, godly perspectives in my decision-making?**

### FAQ
**Does "make war" literally mean military combat, or is it a metaphor?**

Answer: While the phrase "make war" (`/judges/9-17 "Judges 9:17 - Jephthah's Battle"` or `/1_samuel/17-1 "1 Samuel 17:1 - The Philistines Gather for Battle"`) certainly refers to military combat in its literal sense, in the context of Proverbs 20:18, it functions as a powerful **metaphor** for any major, high-stakes, or challenging undertaking in life. The point is that if even something as consequential as war requires meticulous planning and good advice, then all other significant endeavors—whether starting a business, making a major financial decision, navigating a difficult relationship, or pursuing a spiritual calling—likewise demand careful deliberation and counsel. The proverb uses the most extreme example to underscore the universal principle that all "purposes" are established through wise counsel.

**Why is "counsel" so important in the book of Proverbs?**

Answer: Counsel is a recurring and foundational theme throughout the book of Proverbs because it embodies the practical application of wisdom. Proverbs teaches that human understanding is limited (`/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart"`), and true wisdom often comes from seeking external, godly input. Counsel provides multiple perspectives, helps identify blind spots, refines ideas, and strengthens plans, preventing foolish mistakes and leading to greater stability and success. Verses like `"/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Safety in a Multitude of Counselors"` and `"/proverbs/15-22 "Proverbs 15:22 - Purposes Disappointed Without Counsel"` explicitly state that without counsel, plans fail, but with it, they are established and find safety. It's a recognition of both human fallibility and the value of community in discerning the best path.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 20:18, with its emphasis on established purposes through counsel, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of divine wisdom and the perfect counselor. In the Old Testament, wisdom often personified divine attributes, and this personification reaches its zenith in Christ, whom Paul declares to be "the wisdom of God" (`/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God"`). Every purpose of God, from creation to redemption, was established by divine counsel, and Christ is central to that eternal plan (`/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Predestined According to His Purpose"`). His earthly ministry was marked by deliberate, purposeful action, always in perfect alignment with the Father's will (`/john/5-19 "John 5:19 - The Son Does Nothing of Himself"`). He perfectly "made war" against sin, death, and the devil, not through impulsive action but through the perfectly executed divine strategy of the cross, which was "determined counsel and foreknowledge of God" (`/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - The Foreknowledge of God"`). As believers, we are called to live by the wisdom of Christ, seeking His counsel through His Word (`/colossians/3-16 "Colossians 3:16 - Let the Word of Christ Dwell in You"`), the Holy Spirit (`/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Will Guide You"`), and the wise counsel of the believing community (`/galatians/6-2 "Galatians 6:2 - Bear One Another's Burdens"`). Thus, our purposes are truly established when they are rooted in Christ, the source of all good counsel, and pursued in conformity to His perfect design.

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 24:6

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

Proverbs 15:22

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

Luke 14:31

Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?

Proverbs 11:14

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

Judges 1:1

¶ Now after the death of Joshua it came to pass, that the children of Israel asked the LORD, saying, Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites first, to fight against them?

Judges 1:2

And the LORD said, Judah shall go up: behold, I have delivered the land into his hand.

Judges 20:18

¶ And the children of Israel arose, and went up to the house of God, and asked counsel of God, and said, Which of us shall go up first to the battle against the children of Benjamin? And the LORD said, Judah [shall go up] first.