Chapter
Verse

Proverbs 24:6

ESV for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.
NIV Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers.
NASB For by wise guidance you will wage war, And in an abundance of counselors there is victory.
CSB for you should wage war with sound guidance -- victory comes with many counselors.
NLT So don’t go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many advisers.
KJV For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellers there is safety.

What does Proverbs 24:6 mean?

Self-confidence and self-reliance should never mean ignoring the wisdom of other people (Proverbs 12:15). This teaching began in the prior verse (Proverbs 24:5) by noting that wisdom makes a person powerful (Proverbs 21:22). A wise person seeks the advice of many qualified counselors before he enters a battle. This practice is not a magical formula to guarantee success, yet it drastically improves one's chances of victory. Other proverbs noted the immense value of seeking advice and wisdom before engaging in one's efforts (Proverbs 11:14; 15:22).

The Christian life is full of battles as spiritual warfare rages. We learn from Ephesians 6:12 that "we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." First Peter 5:8 tells us to "be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." Fortunately, no Christian is alone in this warfare. Christ, the "Wonderful Counselor" (Isaiah 9:6) is always with each believer, and the Holy Spirit, "another Helper," is alongside (John 14:16). Furthermore, the Lord has placed in the church teaching pastors to help build us up in the faith (Ephesians 4:11–12). He has also given His Word as a sword to use in battling the devil (Ephesians 6:17). With all this available counsel victory is certain.
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