Scriptural Warning Against Going to War Without Wise Counsel
The biblical book of Proverbs frequently emphasizes the importance of seeking wise counsel, particularly in matters of significant consequence like warfare. Proverbs 20:18 states, "Plans are established by advice; by wise guidance you wage war!" [1]. Similarly, Proverbs 24:6 advises, "Only with sound guidance should you wage war, and victory lies in a multitude of counselors" [2]. This theme is reinforced in Proverbs 11:14, which warns that "Where there is no wise guidance, the nation falls, but in the multitude of counselors there is victory" [3].
These passages highlight that successful military endeavors are not merely dependent on strength or numbers, but on careful deliberation and the collective wisdom of many advisors [2, 8]. John Gill, a Baptist/Reformed commentator, notes that "counsel, as well as strength, is necessary for war," and that kings and states should not only consider the justice of their cause but also their resources and strategies, and "above all, should ask counsel of God" [6]. This principle extends beyond physical warfare to spiritual battles against "sin, Satan, the world, and false teachers," which also require wisdom [6].
The emphasis on multiple counselors suggests that a diversity of perspectives helps to prevent rash decisions and ensures a more comprehensive assessment of the situation [8]. Matthew Henry, a Nonconformist/Puritan commentator, explains that "councils of war are necessary to the operations of war; two eyes see more than one; and mutual advice is in order to mutual assistance" [8]. He also cautions against acting "against the Lord," emphasizing that no human wisdom or counsel can succeed if it opposes God's will [7, 9].
The historical accounts of Josephus illustrate the practical implications of seeking or neglecting counsel. For instance, Absalom, advised by Ahithophel, sought counsel regarding war against his father David [4]. While not directly about the wisdom of going to war, this narrative underscores the ancient practice of seeking advice before military action. Titus, in his address to his army, used exhortations and promises to motivate his soldiers, recognizing the psychological aspect of warfare and the need for careful leadership [5].
The wisdom literature, therefore, presents a clear warning: engaging in war without sound, collective counsel is a path to potential failure and national downfall [3]. This counsel should ideally align with divine will, as no human scheme can prevail against the Lord [7, 9].
Sources
- Proverbs “Plans are established by advice; by wise guidance you wage war! -- Proverbs 20:18”
- Proverbs “Proverbs 24:6 (BSB) — Only with sound guidance should you wage war, and victory lies in a multitude of counselors.”
- Proverbs “Where there is no wise guidance, the nation falls, but in the multitude of counselors there is victory. -- Proverbs 11:14”
- Project Gutenberg “Flavius Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, CHAPTER 9, section 5: advised to by Ahithophel, he desired his advice, in the second place, about the war against his father. Now Ahithophel only asked him to let him have ten thousand chosen men, and he promised he would slay his father, and bring the soldiers back again in safety; and he said that then the kingdom would be firm to him when David was dead [but not otherwise]. Absalom was pleased with this advice, and called for Hushai, David's friend [for so did he style him]; and informing him of the opinion of Ahithophel, he asked, further, what wa”
- Project Gutenberg “Flavius Josephus, The Wars of the Jews, CHAPTER 1, section 5: And now Titus, upon consideration that the alacrity of soldiers in war is chiefly excited by hopes and by good words, and that exhortations and promises do frequently make men to forget the hazards they run, nay, sometimes to despise death itself, got together the most courageous part of his army, and tried what he could do with his men by these methods. "O fellow soldiers," said he, "to make an exhortation to men to do what hath no peril in it, is on that very account inglorious to such to whom that exhortation is made; and indeed ”
- Proverbs (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Proverbs 24:5: For by wise counsel thou shall make thy war,.... Counsel, as well as strength, is necessary for war: kings and states, before they enter on a war, should not only well consider the justness of their cause, but should consult whether they have a sufficiency of men and money to carry it on; and should concert the wisest methods to attack the enemy, or defend themselves; and, above all, should ask counsel of God; see Kg2 18:20. And this is true of our spiritual warfare with sin, Satan, the world, and false teachers; which requires not only strength to wage war with the”
- Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 21:30: The designing busy part of mankind are directed, in all their counsels and undertakings, to have their eye to God, and to believe, 1. That there can be no success against God, and therefore they must never act in opposition to him, in contempt of his commands, or in contradiction to his counsels. Though they think they have wisdom, and understanding, and counsel, the best politics and politicians, on their side, yet, if it be against the Lord, it cannot prosper long; it shall not prevail at last. He that sits in heaven laughs at men's projects against him and h”
- Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 11:14: Here is, 1. The bad omen of a kingdom's ruin: Where no counsel is, no consultation at all, but every thing done rashly, or no prudent consultation for the common good, but only caballing for parties and divided interests, the people fall, crumble into factions, fall to pieces, fall together by the ears, and fall an easy prey to their common enemies. Councils of war are necessary to the operations of war; two eyes see more than one; and mutual advice is in order to mutual assistance. 2. The good presage of a kingdom's prosperity: In the multitude of counsellors,”
- Proverbs (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Proverbs 21:30: There is no wisdom nor understanding, nor counsel against the Lord. No human schemes whatever, formed with the greatest wisdom and prudence, can ever prevail against God, or set aside or hinder the execution of any design of his; nothing that is pointed against his church, his cause, and interest, his truths and ordinances, in the issue shall succeed; all that are found fighters against him shall not prosper, let them be men of ever so much sagacity and wisdom; though there may be ever so many devices in a man's heart, and these ever so well planned, they shall nev”