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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 20:18 Set plans by consultation, and wage war under sound guidance.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/20-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/20_Pro_20_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 20:18 - Wine is a Mocker" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Set plans by consultation, and wage war under sound guidance." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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so if you wage war, obtain guidance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Plans succeed through good counsel; don’t go to war without wise advice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance wage war.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Set plans by consultation, and wage war under sound guidance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br /><i>Every</i> purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Plans are established by counsel; By wise counsel wage war.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Prepare plans by consultation, And make war by wise guidance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Prepare plans by consultation, And make war by wise guidance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Prepare plans by consultation, And make war by wise guidance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Thoughts are established by counsel, So make war by guidance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Plans are established by counsel; So make war [only] with wise guidance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Finalize plans with counsel, and wage war with sound guidance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Finalize plans with counsel, and wage war with sound guidance. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Every purpose is established by counsel; And by wise guidance make thou war.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Be sure you have sound advice before making plans or starting a war. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Every purpose is established by counsel: and by wise guidance make thou war,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Plans are confirmed by getting advice, and with guidance one wages war.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Get good advice and you will succeed; don't go charging into battle without a plan. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Make plans by seeking advice; make war by obtaining guidance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Set plans by consultation, and wage war under sound guidance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Plans are established by counsel, so make war with guidance. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Plans are established by advice; by wise guidance you wage war.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Plans are established by advice; by wise guidance you wage war! <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />You establish purposes by counsel, "" And with plans you make war.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Purposes by counsel thou dost establish, And with plans make thou war.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The purpose shall be prepared by counsel, and with guidance make war.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Designs are strengthened by counsels: and wars are to be managed by governments. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Plans are strengthened by counsels. And wars are to be handled by governments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Plans made with advice succeed; with wise direction wage your war. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Plans are established by taking advice; wage war by following wise guidance.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />A good purpose is established by counsel; but by provocation war is made.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Counsel is acquired in the mind and in provocation war is made.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Every purpose is established by counsel; And with good advice carry on war.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/20-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=4053" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/20.htm">Wine is a Mocker</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">17</span>Food gained by fraud is sweet to a man, but later his mouth is full of gravel. <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3559.htm" title="3559: ṯik·kō·wn (V-Nifal-Imperf-2ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to be erect; hence to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal, or figurative.">Set</a> <a href="/hebrew/4284.htm" title="4284: ma·ḥă·šā·ḇō·wṯ (N-fp) -- Thought, device. Or machashebeth; from chashab; a contrivance, i.e. a texture, machine, or intention, plan.">plans</a> <a href="/hebrew/6098.htm" title="6098: bə·‘ê·ṣāh (Prep-b:: N-fs) -- Counsel, advice. From ya'ats; advice; by implication, plan; also prudence.">by consultation,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ă·śêh (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">and wage</a> <a href="/hebrew/4421.htm" title="4421: mil·ḥā·māh (N-fs) -- A battle, war. From lacham; a battle; generally, war.">war</a> <a href="/hebrew/8458.htm" title="8458: ū·ḇə·ṯaḥ·bu·lō·wṯ (Conj-w, Prep-b:: N-fp) -- Direction, counsel. Or tachbuwlah; from chabal as denominative from chebel; properly, steerage, i.e. guidance or a plan.">under sound guidance.</a> </span><span class="reftext">19</span>He who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid the one who babbles with his lips.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-22.htm">Proverbs 15:22</a></span><br />Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/24-6.htm">Proverbs 24:6</a></span><br />Only with sound guidance should you wage war, and victory lies in a multitude of counselors.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/14-31.htm">Luke 14:31-32</a></span><br />Or what king on his way to war with another king will not first sit down and consider whether he can engage with ten thousand men the one coming against him with twenty thousand? / And if he is unable, he will send a delegation while the other king is still far off, to ask for terms of peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a></span><br />Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:9-12</a></span><br />Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. / For if one falls down, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to help him up! / Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one keep warm alone? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/12-6.htm">1 Kings 12:6-15</a></span><br />Then King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How do you advise me to respond to these people?” he asked. / They replied, “If you will be a servant to these people and serve them this day, and if you will respond by speaking kind words to them, they will be your servants forever.” / But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders; instead, he consulted the young men who had grown up with him and served him. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/16-20.htm">2 Samuel 16:20-23</a></span><br />Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give me counsel. What should we do?” / Ahithophel replied, “Sleep with your father’s concubines, whom he has left to take care of the palace. When all Israel hears that you have become a stench to your father, then the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened.” / So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he slept with his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/15-6.htm">Acts 15:6-29</a></span><br />So the apostles and elders met to look into this matter. / After much discussion, Peter got up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you that the Gentiles would hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. / And God, who knows the heart, showed His approval by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as He did to us. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/18-19.htm">Exodus 18:19-24</a></span><br />Now listen to me; I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their causes to Him. / Teach them the statutes and laws, and show them the way to live and the work they must do. / Furthermore, select capable men from among the people—God-fearing, trustworthy men who are averse to dishonest gain. Appoint them over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/12-12.htm">1 Corinthians 12:12-27</a></span><br />The body is a unit, though it is composed of many parts. And although its parts are many, they all form one body. So it is with Christ. / For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink. / For the body does not consist of one part, but of many. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/20-21.htm">2 Chronicles 20:21-22</a></span><br />Then Jehoshaphat consulted with the people and appointed those who would sing to the LORD and praise the splendor of His holiness. As they went out before the army, they were singing: “Give thanks to the LORD, for His loving devotion endures forever.” / The moment they began their shouts and praises, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who had come against Judah, and they were defeated.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/18-19.htm">Matthew 18:19-20</a></span><br />Again, I tell you truly that if two of you on the earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven. / For where two or three gather together in My name, there am I with them.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/11-2.htm">Isaiah 11:2</a></span><br />The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/4-14.htm">1 Timothy 4:14</a></span><br />Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you through the prophecy spoken over you at the laying on of the hands of the elders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-7.htm">2 Timothy 2:7</a></span><br />Consider what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all things.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.</p><p class="hdg">purpose</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/15-22.htm">Proverbs 15:22</a></b></br> Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellers they are established.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/24-6.htm">Proverbs 24:6</a></b></br> For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellers <i>there is</i> safety.</p><p class="hdg">and</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/25-8.htm">Proverbs 25:8</a></b></br> Go not forth hastily to strive, lest <i>thou know not</i> what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/1-1.htm">Judges 1:1,2</a></b></br> Now after the death of Joshua it came to pass, that the children of Israel asked the LORD, saying, Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites first, to fight against them? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/9-29.htm">Judges 9:29</a></b></br> And would to God this people were under my hand! then would I remove Abimelech. And he said to Abimelech, Increase thine army, and come out.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/19-20.htm">Advice</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-27.htm">Carry</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-22.htm">Consultation</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-5.htm">Counsel</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-10.htm">Effect</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-25.htm">Establish</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-21.htm">Established</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-14.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-14.htm">Guidance</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-15.htm">Help</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-2.htm">Obtain</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-21.htm">Plans</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-8.htm">Prepare</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-5.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-5.htm">Purposes</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-19.htm">Seeking</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-18.htm">Wage</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-3.htm">War</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-1.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/24-6.htm">Advice</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-21.htm">Carry</a> <a href="/matthew/12-14.htm">Consultation</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-30.htm">Counsel</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-4.htm">Effect</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-7.htm">Establish</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-18.htm">Established</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-23.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-6.htm">Guidance</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-22.htm">Help</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-13.htm">Obtain</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-5.htm">Plans</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-27.htm">Prepare</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-27.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-5.htm">Purposes</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-6.htm">Seeking</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-6.htm">Wage</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-31.htm">War</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-26.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/20-1.htm">Proper Living</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/20.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Set plans by consultation</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the importance of seeking advice and counsel before making decisions. In the biblical context, seeking wise counsel is a recurring theme, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/11-14.htm">Proverbs 11:14</a>, which states that "where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." The cultural context of ancient Israel valued the wisdom of elders and leaders, who were often consulted for their experience and insight. This practice is evident in the story of Rehoboam in <a href="/1_kings/12.htm">1 Kings 12</a>, where the king's failure to heed the advice of experienced counselors led to the division of the kingdom. Theologically, this principle underscores the value of humility and the recognition that human understanding is limited, aligning with the broader biblical teaching that wisdom ultimately comes from God (<a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a>).<p><b>and wage war under sound guidance</b><br>In ancient times, warfare was a common reality, and the success of military endeavors often depended on strategic planning and wise leadership. This phrase suggests that even in matters of conflict, seeking sound guidance is crucial. The historical context of Israel's battles, such as those led by King David, illustrates the importance of divine guidance and strategic counsel. For instance, David frequently inquired of the Lord before going into battle (<a href="/1_samuel/23-2.htm">1 Samuel 23:2-4</a>). This principle can be seen as a type of Christ, who is depicted as the ultimate leader and counselor, guiding His people in spiritual warfare (<a href="/ephesians/6-10.htm">Ephesians 6:10-18</a>). The call for sound guidance also reflects the broader biblical narrative that true wisdom and victory come from reliance on God rather than human strength alone (<a href="/psalms/20-7.htm">Psalm 20:7</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His proverbs often provide practical guidance for living a life that honors God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>The cultural and historical context of Proverbs is ancient Israel, where wisdom literature was a key component of teaching and guiding the community in righteous living.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/c/counselors.htm">Counselors</a></b><br>While not a specific person, the role of counselors is implied in this verse. In ancient times, kings and leaders would seek the advice of wise counselors before making significant decisions, especially in matters of war.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_wise_counsel.htm">The Importance of Wise Counsel</a></b><br>Seeking advice from wise and godly individuals is crucial for making sound decisions. This aligns with the biblical principle that wisdom is found in a multitude of counselors.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/planning_with_purpose.htm">Planning with Purpose</a></b><br>Thoughtful planning is essential in all areas of life, whether in personal decisions, business ventures, or spiritual growth. Plans should be made with careful consideration and consultation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_warfare_and_guidance.htm">Spiritual Warfare and Guidance</a></b><br>Just as physical battles require strategy and guidance, spiritual battles require us to seek God's wisdom and the counsel of mature believers to navigate challenges effectively.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_in_seeking_advice.htm">Humility in Seeking Advice</a></b><br>It takes humility to recognize that we do not have all the answers. Being open to advice and correction is a mark of wisdom and maturity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/godly_guidance_in_decision-making.htm">Godly Guidance in Decision-Making</a></b><br>In all decisions, especially those with significant consequences, it is vital to seek guidance that aligns with biblical principles and God's will.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 20</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_acupuncture_christian-compatible.htm">Is acupuncture compatible with Christian beliefs?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_christians_use_homeopathy.htm">Is homeopathy acceptable for Christians to use?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_luke_14_31-32_conflict_with_peace.htm">Luke 14:31-32: Does Jesus' warfare analogy conflict with other passages (e.g., Matthew 5:9) advocating peace?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/purpose_of_2nd_council_of_constantinople.htm">What defines theological reflection?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 18.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Every purpose is established by counsel</span> (comp. <a href="/proverbs/15-22.htm">Proverbs 15:22</a>, where see note). The Talmud says, "Even the most prudent of men needs friends' counsels;" and none but the most conceited would deem himself superior to advice, or would fail to allow that, as the Vulgate puts it, <span class="accented">cogitationes consillis roborantur.</span> This is true in all relations of life, in great and small matters alike, in peace, and, as our moralist adds, in war. <span class="cmt_word">With good advice make war;</span> Vulgate, <span class="accented">Gubernaculis tractanda sunt bella</span>; Revised Version, <span class="accented">By wise guidance make thou war</span>. The word here used is <span class="accented">takebuloth</span>, for which see note, <a href="/proverbs/1-5.htm">Proverbs 1:5</a>. It is a maritime metaphor, rightly retained by the Vulgate, and might be rendered "pilotings," "steerings." War is a necessary evil, but it must be undertaken prudently and with a due consideration of circumstances, means, etc. Our Lord illustrates the necessity of due circumspection in following him by the case of a threatened conflict between two contending kings (<a href="/luke/14-31.htm">Luke 14:31</a>, etc.). Grotius quotes the gnome - <p><span class="greek">Γνῶμαι πλέον κρατοῦσιν η} σθένος χερῶν</span>. <p><span class="accented">"Titan strength of hands availeth counsel more."</span> To which we may add - <p><span class="greek">Βουλῆς γὰρ ὀρθῆς οὐδὲν ἀσφαλέστερον</span>. . . . <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/20-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Set</span><br /><span class="heb">תִכּ֑וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(ṯik·kō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3559.htm">Strong's 3559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be erect</span><br /><br /><span class="word">plans</span><br /><span class="heb">מַ֭חֲשָׁבוֹת</span> <span class="translit">(ma·ḥă·šā·ḇō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4284.htm">Strong's 4284: </a> </span><span class="str2">A contrivance, a texture, machine, intention, plan</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by consultation,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּעֵצָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(bə·‘ê·ṣāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6098.htm">Strong's 6098: </a> </span><span class="str2">Advice, plan, prudence</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and wage</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲשֵׂ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·śêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">war</span><br /><span class="heb">מִלְחָמָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(mil·ḥā·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4421.htm">Strong's 4421: </a> </span><span class="str2">A battle, war</span><br /><br /><span class="word">under sound guidance.</span><br /><span class="heb">וּ֝בְתַחְבֻּל֗וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇə·ṯaḥ·bu·lō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8458.htm">Strong's 8458: </a> </span><span class="str2">Steerage, guidance, a plan</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/20-18.htm">Proverbs 20:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/20-18.htm">Proverbs 20:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/20-18.htm">Proverbs 20:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/20-18.htm">Proverbs 20:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/20-18.htm">Proverbs 20:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/20-18.htm">Proverbs 20:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/20-18.htm">Proverbs 20:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/20-18.htm">Proverbs 20:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/20-18.htm">Proverbs 20:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/20-18.htm">Proverbs 20:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/20-18.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 20:18 Plans are established by advice (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/20-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 20:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 20:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/20-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 20:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 20:19" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>