Only with sound guidance should you wage war, and victory lies in a multitude of counselors. Only with sound guidanceThe phrase "sound guidance" in Hebrew is "tahbulot," which can be translated as "wise counsel" or "strategic planning." This word suggests a depth of wisdom that comes from experience and understanding. In the context of ancient Israel, where warfare was a common reality, the importance of strategic planning was paramount. The Bible often emphasizes the need for wisdom and discernment, and this phrase underscores the necessity of seeking God's guidance and the counsel of wise individuals before making significant decisions, especially those as serious as waging war. It reflects a broader biblical principle that success in any endeavor requires careful planning and reliance on divine wisdom. should you wage war The act of waging war in the ancient Near Eastern context was not taken lightly. It involved not only physical combat but also spiritual and moral considerations. The Hebrew word for "war" here is "milchamah," which encompasses the idea of struggle and conflict. This phrase implies that warfare, whether literal or metaphorical, should not be entered into impulsively or without proper preparation. In a spiritual sense, this can be applied to the battles Christians face in their daily lives, emphasizing the need for spiritual armor and readiness as described in Ephesians 6:10-18. and victory lies The concept of "victory" in Hebrew is "teshuah," which means deliverance or salvation. This word conveys the idea that true victory is not just about winning a battle but achieving a state of peace and security. In the biblical narrative, victory is often attributed to God's intervention and blessing. This phrase reminds believers that ultimate success and triumph come from aligning with God's will and purpose, and that human efforts, while necessary, are insufficient without divine support. in a multitude of counselors The phrase "multitude of counselors" highlights the value of collective wisdom and the importance of seeking diverse perspectives. The Hebrew word "yoetz" for "counselors" refers to advisors or guides who provide insight and direction. In the historical context, kings and leaders would surround themselves with trusted advisors to make informed decisions. This principle is applicable to all areas of life, encouraging believers to seek advice from godly and wise individuals. It underscores the biblical teaching that wisdom is found in community and that pride and isolation can lead to downfall. This phrase encourages humility and the recognition that no one has all the answers, and that collaboration and consultation are key to achieving success. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His reign was marked by peace and prosperity, and he is credited with compiling many of the wise sayings found in the book of Proverbs. 2. IsraelThe nation to which Solomon belonged and over which he reigned. The wisdom literature, including Proverbs, was intended to guide the people of Israel in living righteously and wisely. 3. CounselorsIn the context of this verse, counselors refer to wise and knowledgeable individuals who provide guidance and advice. In ancient times, kings and leaders often relied on a council of advisors to make informed decisions. Teaching Points The Importance of Wise CounselSeeking advice from knowledgeable and godly individuals is crucial for making sound decisions, especially in complex situations. The Role of Community in Decision-MakingEngaging with a community of believers provides diverse perspectives and insights, leading to more balanced and informed choices. Humility in LeadershipLeaders should recognize their limitations and be open to input from others, demonstrating humility and a willingness to learn. Strategic Planning and Spiritual WarfareJust as physical battles require strategy and planning, spiritual battles necessitate guidance from God's Word and the counsel of mature Christians. Trusting in God's SovereigntyWhile human counsel is valuable, ultimate trust should be placed in God's sovereignty and His ability to guide us through His Spirit. Bible Study Questions 1. How can we identify wise and godly counselors in our lives, and what qualities should we look for in them? 2. In what ways can seeking counsel from others prevent us from making poor decisions, and how does this align with biblical teachings on humility? 3. How does the concept of seeking a "multitude of counselors" apply to both personal and communal decision-making within the church? 4. Reflect on a time when you sought advice from others. How did it impact the outcome of your decision, and what did you learn from the experience? 5. How can we balance seeking human counsel with relying on God's guidance through prayer and Scripture? What role does faith play in this process? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 11:14This verse also emphasizes the importance of having many counselors, reinforcing the idea that wisdom and safety come from seeking advice from multiple sources. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12These verses highlight the strength found in companionship and collaboration, which aligns with the concept of seeking counsel from others. James 1:5This New Testament verse encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, complementing the idea of seeking guidance. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Abundance, Advice, Advisers, Advisors, Counsel, Counsellors, Counselors, Deliverance, Guidance, Guides, Guiding, Makest, Multitude, Overcome, Plans, Safety, Salvation, Thyself, Victory, Wage, War, WiseDictionary of Bible Themes Proverbs 24:6 5608 warfare, strategies 5779 advice 5780 advisers Library The Sluggard's Garden 'I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; 31. And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.'--PROVERBS xxiv. 30, 31. This picture of the sluggard's garden seems to be intended as a parable. No doubt its direct simple meaning is full of homely wisdom in full accord with the whole tone of the Book of Proverbs; but we shall scarcely do justice to this saying of the wise … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Broken Fence A sermon (No. 3381) published on Thursday, November 20th 1913. Delivered by C. H. Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. "I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; and to, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down, Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it and received instruction."--Proverbs 24:30-32. This slothful man did no hurt to his fellow-men: … C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs The Sluggard's Farm A sermon (No. 2027) intended for reading on Lord's Day, June 3rd 1888, delivered by C. H. Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. "I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction."--Proverbs 24:30-32. No doubt Solomon was sometimes glad … C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs Epistle xxxvi. To Maximus, Bishop of Salona . To Maximus, Bishop of Salona [113] . Gregory to Maximus, &c. When our common son the presbyter Veteranus came to the Roman city, he found me so weak from the pains of gout as to be quite unable to answer thy Fraternity's letters myself. And indeed with regard to the nation of the Sclaves [114] , from which you are in great danger, I am exceedingly afflicted and disturbed. I am afflicted as suffering already in your suffering: I am disturbed, because they have already begun to enter Italy by way … Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great The Portrait of a Drunkyard 'Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? 30. They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. 31. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. 32. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. 33. Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. 34. Yea, thou shalt be as … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture 2 Cor. Iii. 5 Not that we are sufficient of our selves, to think any thing as of our selves: but our Sufficiency is of God. IN my former Discourse upon these Words, I shewed you that it was the sole Design of St. Paul in them, to declare, that, in the setting about, and executing, the difficult and laborious Work of an Apostle, He did not arrogate to himself the Power, and Ability, and Success, which he had: but that he ascribed his Sufficiency for this great Work, as well as his being designed to it, to God himself, … Benjamin Hoadly—Several Discourses Concerning the Terms of Acceptance with God How to Make Use of Christ for Taking the Guilt of Our Daily Out-Breakings Away. The next part of our sanctification is in reference to our daily failings and transgressions, committed partly through the violence of temptations, as we see in David and Peter, and other eminent men of God; partly through daily infirmities, because of our weakness and imperfections; for, "in many things we offend all," James iii. 2; and, "if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us," 1 John i. 8; "a righteous man falleth seven times," Prov. xxiv. 16; "there is not … John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life The Justice of God The next attribute is God's justice. All God's attributes are identical, and are the same with his essence. Though he has several attributes whereby he is made known to us, yet he has but one essence. A cedar tree may have several branches, yet it is but one cedar. So there are several attributes of God whereby we conceive of him, but only one entire essence. Well, then, concerning God's justice. Deut 32:4. Just and right is he.' Job 37:23. Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent … Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Necessity of Actual Grace In treating of the necessity of actual grace we must avoid two extremes. The first is that mere nature is absolutely incapable of doing any thing good. This error was held by the early Protestants and the followers of Baius and Jansenius. The second is that nature is able to perform supernatural acts by its own power. This was taught by the Pelagians and Semipelagians. Between these two extremes Catholic theology keeps the golden mean. It defends the capacity of human nature against Protestants and … Joseph Pohle—Grace, Actual and Habitual Meditations on the Hindrances which Keep Back a Sinner from the Practice of Piety. Those hindrances are chiefly seven:-- I. An ignorant mistaking of the true meaning of certain places of the holy Scriptures, and some other chief grounds of Christian religion. The Scriptures mistaken are these: 1. Ezek. xxxiii. 14, 16, "At what time soever a sinner repenteth him of his sin, I will blot out all," &c. Hence the carnal Christian gathers, that he may repent when he will. It is true, whensoever a sinner does repent, God will forgive; but the text saith not, that a sinner may repent whensoever … Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and Ungodly Men. Scriptures Showing The Sin And Danger Of Joining With Wicked And Ungodly Men. When the Lord is punishing such a people against whom he hath a controversy, and a notable controversy, every one that is found shall be thrust through: and every one joined with them shall fall, Isa. xiii. 15. They partake in their judgment, not only because in a common calamity all shares, (as in Ezek. xxi. 3.) but chiefly because joined with and partakers with these whom God is pursuing; even as the strangers that join … Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning A Treatise on Good Works I. We ought first to know that there are no good works except those which God has commanded, even as there is no sin except that which God has forbidden. Therefore whoever wishes to know and to do good works needs nothing else than to know God's commandments. Thus Christ says, Matthew xix, "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." And when the young man asks Him, Matthew xix, what he shall do that he may inherit eternal life, Christ sets before him naught else but the Ten Commandments. … Dr. Martin Luther—A Treatise on Good Works Proverbs Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew … John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Proverbs 24:6 NIVProverbs 24:6 NLTProverbs 24:6 ESVProverbs 24:6 NASBProverbs 24:6 KJV
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