How does Proverbs 11:14 relate to the counsel seen in Esther 1:14? Setting the Verses in View • Proverbs 11:14: “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but with many counselors there is deliverance.” • Esther 1:14: “the seven nobles of Persia and Media who had access to the king and sat first in the kingdom—Karsena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan.” What Proverbs Teaches • Nations, families, and individuals collapse without sound guidance. • God’s design is that decision-making happens in community, not isolation. • “Deliverance” (or “safety” in some translations) points to protection from error, disaster, and sin. What Happens in Esther 1 • King Ahasuerus acts “according to the law and justice” by consulting experts (v. 13). • He gathers a circle of seven trusted advisers (v. 14). • The counsel he receives—banishing Queen Vashti—shows the power advisers wield. Connecting the Dots 1. Shared conviction: Both verses assume leadership needs counsel. Even a mighty Persian monarch recognizes it. 2. Size of the group: Proverbs speaks of “many counselors”; Esther portrays that principle literally—seven high officials. 3. Outcome reveals quality: – In Proverbs, “deliverance” is the goal; wise counsel spares from downfall. – In Esther, the advice is legally correct but morally questionable, setting the stage for later conflict. 4. Providence over human counsel: Though the Persian counselors may not be godly, their decision opens the door for Esther to become queen, showing God steering even imperfect advice toward His redemptive plan (cf. Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28). Lessons About Counsel Today • Quantity is not enough; the counselors must be wise and righteous (Proverbs 12:5; Psalm 1:1). • When advisers fear God, their collective input leads to true “deliverance.” • Secular counsel, as in Esther 1, may serve short-term political goals yet miss God’s larger moral standard. • Believers must seek voices grounded in Scripture, prayer, and the Spirit’s wisdom (James 3:17). Additional Scriptural Insights • Proverbs 15:22 – “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” • Proverbs 24:6 – “For by wise guidance you wage your war, and victory lies in a multitude of counselors.” • Psalm 33:10-11 – God ultimately frustrates ungodly counsel but establishes His own plan forever. • Isaiah 11:2 – Messiah is filled with “the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,” the perfect Counselor believers ultimately follow. Take-Away Truths • God endorses the practice of gathering multiple counselors. • He also warns that only counsel rooted in His wisdom achieves lasting deliverance. • Esther 1:14 illustrates both the necessity and the limits of human advice—reminding us that the final arbiter of wisdom is the Lord Himself (Proverbs 19:21). |
    |