Seeking Wise Counsel in Decision Making in Proverbs
The book of Proverbs emphasizes the importance of seeking wise counsel in decision-making, highlighting its role in achieving wisdom and successful outcomes. Proverbs 1:2 introduces the purpose of the book as imparting "wisdom and instruction" and "words of understanding" [1]. A key aspect of this is gaining "wise counsel," as stated in Proverbs 1:5, where it is written that "let the wise listen and gain instruction, and the discerning acquire wise counsel" [2].
Proverbs underscores the value of listening to counsel and receiving instruction to become wise, particularly in one's latter days (Proverbs 19:20) [3]. This is reinforced by the assertion that "plans are established by advice; by wise guidance you wage war" (Proverbs 20:18), illustrating the practical application of wise counsel in both personal and strategic decision-making [4]. The personification of wisdom in Proverbs 8:14 attributes "counsel and wisdom" to wisdom itself, emphasizing its role in guiding decision-making [5].
The biblical commentary tradition interprets these passages as encouraging the pursuit of wisdom through counsel. John Gill's commentary on Proverbs 19:20 notes that the counsel and instruction come from various sources, including "parents, masters, and ministers," with a special emphasis on the counsel of Jesus Christ and the Scriptures [6]. Similarly, Jamieson, Fausset & Brown's commentary on Proverbs 4:26 highlights the importance of "pondering" or considering well, as a precursor to wise decision-making [7].
The value of counsel is further underscored by the contrast between wise deliberation and rashness. Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 15:22 explain that "without counsel" implies a lack of deliberation, stressing the need for wise deference to the opinions of the wise and good [8]. This is echoed in John Gill's commentary on Proverbs 1:5, which notes that a wise person will "hear" and "increase learning," demonstrating the ongoing nature of wisdom acquisition through counsel [9].
The pursuit of wisdom is not limited to personal gain but is also crucial in broader contexts, such as warfare and governance. Proverbs 24:5, as interpreted by John Gill, emphasizes the necessity of "wise counsel" in making war, both literal and spiritual, highlighting the importance of consulting God and considering the justness of one's cause [11]. In a related vein, Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 25:2 note that while God's ways are unsearchable, human leaders should confer with wise counselors, acknowledging the limitations of human wisdom [12].
The biblical text and its interpreters thus present seeking wise counsel as a fundamental aspect of wise decision-making. This involves not only seeking advice from others but also being open to instruction and willing to ponder and consider different perspectives. As Proverbs 9:4 suggests, wisdom provides both right principles and a prohibition against wrong ones, guiding individuals in their choices [10].
Sources
- Proverbs “to know wisdom and instruction; to discern the words of understanding; -- Proverbs 1:2”
- Proverbs “Proverbs 1:5 (BSB) — let the wise listen and gain instruction, and the discerning acquire wise counsel”
- Proverbs “Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter end. -- Proverbs 19:20”
- Proverbs “Plans are established by advice; by wise guidance you wage war! -- Proverbs 20:18”
- Proverbs “Proverbs 8:14 (Geneva1599) — I haue counsell and wisedome: I am vnderstanding, and I haue strength.”
- Proverbs (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Proverbs 19:20: Hear counsel, and receive instruction,.... Of parents, masters, and ministers; especially the counsel and instruction of Wisdom, of Jesus Christ, the Wisdom of God, the wonderful Counsellor; and of his Gospel and of the Scriptures, which are able to make a man wise unto salvation; that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end; in the latter end of life, at death; that then it may appear a man has been so wise as to be concerned for a future state, for the good of his soul in another world; by listening to the counsel and instruction of Christ, in his word; by lookin”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 4:26: Ponder--Consider well; a wise course results from wise forethought.”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 15:22: Without counsel--or, "deliberation," implying a wise deference to the opinions of the wise and good, contrasted with rashness.”
- Proverbs (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Proverbs 1:5: A wise man will hear,.... With great attention, and hearken to the proverbs and wise sayings herein delivered; for here are many things entertaining to men of years and wisdom, as well as instructive to young men and simple ones; and will increase learning; or "add" (k) to his stock of learning; or, as the Targum, "will add knowledge;'' see Pe2 1:5; or, "will be wiser", as the Vulgate Latin version. This is said to show the excellency of this book, and the extensive usefulness of it; indeed wise men will get knowledge where fools cannot, and increase learning w”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 9:4: (Compare Pro 1:4; Pro 6:32). Wisdom not only supplies right but forbids wrong principles.”
- 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 (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 25:2: God's unsearchableness impresses us with awe (compare Isa 45:15; Rom 11:33). But kings, being finite, should confer with wise counsellors;”