Why is a multitude of counselors valuable (Proverbs 15:22)?

Hence the importance of counsel (v. 22); for where there is none, purposes are disappointed. It is wise to be swift to hear, for in the multitude of counsellors purposes are established. Self-confidence is a sorry guide.

"Without counsel, plans go awry" (v. 22), that is, they will never work out properly. If we want to make plans, let us be sure to seek the counsel of the Lord, who alone can keep us from blundering. Even Solomon, wise as he was, considered it necessary to have "a multitude of counselors." Thus, we should take others into our confidence as long as they are wise counselors; though we deeply need the word of God from which to seek the best counsel.

On the other hand there are those whom God sets as watchmen, and who are therefore bound to warn; as again the humble rejoice to be helped in their difficulties, instead of decrying those who have more discernment than themselves. "Where no advice is, the people fall; but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety." Whatever the haughty spirit of independence may aspire to, there are chief men, or guides, among God's people; and none can ignore or slight them but to their own loss. The Holy Spirit does not lead to self-conceit, but to unfeigned humility and to cordial value for fellowship.

"Plans are established by counsel" (v. 18). If we depend simply on the counsel of the Lord, our plans will be well established. There are times, however, - that we do not have clear direction from scripture as to what we plan, and if so, it is often wise to consult with godly friends, who may be able to direct us to scriptural principles that will help in such matters. When it is a matter of waging war with the enemy of our souls, it is a true benefit to have wise counsel from those who seek the honor of the Lord.

If there should be no one to provide sober, wise counsel to people generally, they will flounder, but in considering the counsel of a number who can be trusted, there is usually safety (v. 14). Rehoboam ought to have read this before he chose the counsel of young men and refused the counsel of older men of experience (2 Chron. 10:6-14).

This wisdom also involves strength (v. 5), which is increased as wisdom increases, so that whatever adversities (or warfare) may come, there is strength given of God to withstand and defeat the enemy. A wise man will also cultivate the fellowship of others who are wise, for a number of wise counselors will ensure safety (v. 6). How vitally important is this fellowship of saints!

A wise man is strong, we are told. It is moral strength, the reverse of Samson's physical strength with moral weakness and folly. Hence too a man of knowledge increases strength, instead of losing its advantage by heedlessness. As it is prospered in peace, so wise counsel is of the greatest weight in war (v. 6), where, as danger thickens, safety is in multitude of counsellors, not in self-confidence.

For man with a fallen nature and in a fallen world to confide in himself is to play the fool. God is not in any of his thoughts. He is sure he needs no advice; he is right in his own eyes. What can his eyes do but help him to judge according to sight, which the Lord contrasts with judging righteous judgment? and what so dangerous as every question of self? For there is nothing a man dislikes more than thinking ill of himself, unless it is of believing good of God. Truly the way of a fool is right in his own eyes. He that is wise distrusts himself and hearkens to counsel; nor does he cheat God and his conscience by seeking counsel of the weak and easy-going, but of the godly.

Rehoboam received good counsel from the elders who were in Solomon's court, telling him that if he would be considerate of this request of the people and would speak good words to them, they would be his servants forever (v.6). This was only sensible and he ought to have immediately accepted their advice. But he made the fatal blunder of seeking advice from young men with whom he had grown up.

Evidently, therefore, the servant of Christ does well when in humility of mind he considers others as better than himself, takes counsel of them, carefully considers their spiritual judgment, or even listens to and weighs their criticisms. Yet even so he must not in the last resort be guided by their opinions but by the Word of God. The passage, Acts 21:18-30, furnishes us with a warning as to this.