### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **môwʻêtsâh**, represented by `{{H4156}}`, translates to **counsel**, **device**, or a **purpose**. It appears 7 times in 7 unique verses in the Bible. Derived from a root meaning to advise, this term almost always carries a negative connotation, referring to the self-devised plans and schemes of humanity that stand in opposition to God's will and lead to ruin.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4156}}` consistently illustrates the disastrous consequences of following human-centered counsel. The psalmist prays for God to let the wicked "fall by their own **counsels**" as a just result of their rebellion [[Psalms 5:10]]. Similarly, God gave Israel up to their own hearts' lust (`{{H8307}}`), allowing them to walk in their own **counsels** [[Psalms 81:12]]. This theme of willful disobedience is echoed in Jeremiah, where the people refused to listen and instead "walked in the **counsels** and in the imagination of their evil heart" [[Jeremiah 7:24]]. The result of such counsel is judgment, whether it is being filled with one's own **devices** [[Proverbs 1:31]] or facing the sword [[Hosea 11:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and consequences of following one's own **counsels**:
* `{{H1870}}` **derek** (a road; a course of life): This word is directly linked in [[Proverbs 1:31]], where following one's own "**way**" leads to being "filled with their own **devices**." It signifies the path chosen based on flawed human counsel.
* `{{H398}}` **ʼâkal** (to eat): This term is used metaphorically to show the inevitable outcome of rebellious plans. Those who reject wisdom will "**eat** of the fruit of their own way" and be filled with their own **devices** [[Proverbs 1:31]].
* `{{H3789}}` **kâthab** (to write): In the only positive use of `{{H4156}}`, God has "**written**... excellent things in **counsels** and knowledge" [[Proverbs 22:20]]. This highlights the divine, trustworthy alternative to the destructive counsels devised by humans.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4156}}` serves as a stark warning about human autonomy versus divine guidance.
* **The Counsel of Rebellion:** The term is consistently used to describe the plans of those who rebel (`{{H4784}}`) against God. This rebellion results in a judgment where they are allowed to "fall by their own **counsels**" [[Psalms 5:10]].
* **The Inward Source of Sin:** `môwʻêtsâh` is frequently tied to the inner person, such as the "lust (`{{H8307}}`) of their own hearts" [[Psalms 81:12]] or the "imagination (`{{H8307}}`) of their evil heart" [[Jeremiah 7:24]]. This demonstrates that corrupt actions spring from corrupt internal **counsels**.
* **Consequence and Judgment:** Following these self-made **devices** leads to disaster. The people who walk in the **counsels** of wicked kings are made a "desolation (`{{H8047}}`)" and a "hissing (`{{H8322}}`)" [[Micah 6:16]], and the sword (`{{H2719}}`) consumes them "because of their own **counsels**" [[Hosea 11:6]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4156}}` is not merely about planning but about the source and nature of that planning. It overwhelmingly depicts the futility and danger of human-devised schemes that are contrary to God's law and wisdom. By showing the destructive end of those who walk in their own **counsels**, the term underscores the profound need to seek and follow the "excellent things in **counsels** and knowledge" that God provides [[Proverbs 22:20]].
TRV