The book of Proverbs in the Bible contains many wise sayings and advice for living a godly life. One of these nuggets of wisdom is found in Proverbs 15:22, which says “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed” (ESV). This proverb speaks to the value of seeking input, advice, and counsel from multiple wise people when making plans and important decisions.
There are several reasons why a “multitude of counselors” is deemed valuable in Scripture:
1. No one person has all wisdom and knowledge
Human beings are limited in their perspective and understanding. “For we know in part…” (1 Corinthians 13:9). No one person, no matter how wise, intelligent or experienced, has perfect knowledge and insight. We all have gaps, blindspots and areas where our judgment is lacking. Seeking input from numerous godly, wise advisers makes up for individual limitations. What one person misses, another may see. The more perspectives we gather, the more complete our understanding will be.
2. Wisdom is proved right by her children (Matthew 11:19)
A wise plan or strategy will stand up under the scrutiny of many examiners. Jesus said true wisdom is “proved right by her deeds” (Matthew 11:19). If a multitude of counselors can find no flaw in a plan, it is likely a sound plan. Many advisers put the idea through a testing and vetting process. This refines good ideas and exposes poor ones.
3. Safety and victory come through abundant counsel (Proverbs 11:14)
In undertaking big endeavors, there is safety in a breadth of wisdom and perspective. “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14). When leaders make decisions without consultation, they often stumble and bring harm on themselves and others. But with wise guidance, success is more likely. This principle applies in national leadership, church leadership, and decision-making in our personal lives.
4. Plans succeed through counsel (Proverbs 20:18)
“Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance wage war” (Proverbs 20:18). Half-baked plans and poorly conceived strategies often fail. But when ideas are strengthened and honed through the furnace of abundant counsel, they are refined and well-prepared for success. We increase our chance of victory by laying our plans before wise advisers for their evaluation and input.
5. Learn from others’ knowledge and experience
No one person’s knowledge and experience is sufficient for all of life’s challenges. But when the collective wisdom of years of experience from multiple godly counselors is tapped, we gain valuable insights and lessons that can be applied to our situation. Wise men and women learn from the knowledge and experience of those who have gone before them.
6. Avoid pitfalls and foresee consequences
In seeking abundant counsel, potential dangers and pitfalls can be identified and avoided. Trained, objective guidance can help forecast consequences – both positive and negative – that we may be blind to on our own. The wisdom of many counselors helps mitigate risk and provides an important perspective check.
7. Receive rebuke and correction
“Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy” (Proverbs 27:5-6). At times, we need loving rebuke and correction in areas where we are heading down an unwise path. A multitude of counselors increases the likelihood that our faults and errors will be uncovered and lovingly corrected rather than remaining hidden. We should welcome constructive criticism.
8. Challenge assumptions and groupthink
When making plans and decisions, we often operate under unexamined assumptions and unconscious biases. The diversity of viewpoint brought by multiple counselors challenges superficial groupthink. Preconceived notions are tested when exposed to push back and alternative perspectives.
9. Gain agreement and unified support
It is unwise to pursue plans and make decisions that counselors broadly disagree with. But when guidance is sought and a broad consensus is reached among advisers, it provides unified support to move forward. Unity of purpose is forged through collective counsel.
10. Confirms God’s leading
For believers, the most important counsel to seek is God’s (Psalm 73:24). But the confirmation of the Holy Spirit’s leading in our lives can come through the consensus of godly, biblical counselors who seek the Lord’s will. As we humble ourselves and commit our plans to prayer, God can use the multitude of counselors to affirm his will and direction.
In summary, Proverbs 15:22 teaches an invaluable leadership principle that applies to every arena of life. Seeking abundant quality counsel from objective, God-fearing advisers saves us from disastrous missteps born of haste, arrogance and incomplete information. Through prayerful consideration of collective wisdom, we gain confidence that our plans are well-vetted and aligned with God’s will. The wise man or woman utilizes the multitude of counselors available to them.
Other related Bible verses on the blessing of seeking and receiving counsel include:
Proverbs 1:5 “Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.”
Proverbs 12:15 “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.”
Proverbs 19:20 “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.”
Proverbs 24:6 “For by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.”