Proverbs 15:22
Proverbs 15:22 in Multiple Translations
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.
Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
Where there is no counsel, purposes are disappointed; But in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
Where there are no wise suggestions, purposes come to nothing; but by a number of wise guides they are made certain.
Plans fall apart without good advice, but with plenty of advisors they're successful.
Without cousel thoughts come to nought: but in the multitude of counsellers there is stedfastnesse.
Without counsel [is] the making void of purposes, And in a multitude of counsellors it is established.
Where there is no counsel, plans fail; but in a multitude of counselors they are established.
Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counselors they are established.
Designs are brought to nothing where there is no counsel: but where there are many counsellors, they are established.
If there is no one to give us good advice, we will not accomplish what we are planning to do; but when we have many good advisors, we will succeed.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 15:22
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 15:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הָפֵ֣ר
מַ֭חֲשָׁבוֹת
בְּ/אֵ֣ין
ס֑וֹד
וּ/בְ/רֹ֖ב
יוֹעֲצִ֣ים
תָּקֽוּם
הָפֵ֣ר
pârar
H6565
to break
V-Hiphil-Ptc
מַ֭חֲשָׁבוֹת
machăshâbâh
H4284
plot
N-fp
בְּ/אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Prep | Part
ס֑וֹד
çôwd
H5475
counsel
N-ms
וּ/בְ/רֹ֖ב
rôb
H7230
abundance
Conj | Prep | N-cs
יוֹעֲצִ֣ים
yâʻats
H3289
to advise
V-Qal
תָּקֽוּם
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 15:22
הָפֵ֣ר
pârar
H6565
"to break"
V-Hiphil-Ptc
To split or break something apart is the meaning of this word, often used figuratively to mean frustrate or violate. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to break, frustrate 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to break, violate 1a2) to frustrate, make ineffectual 1b) (Hophal) 1b1) to be frustrated 1b2) to be broken 1b3) to break 1c) (Pilpel) to break to bits, shatter Also means: pur (פּוּר "to break" H6331)
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any ways, break (asunder), cast off, cause to cease, [idiom] clean, defeat, disannul, disappoint, dissolve, divide, make of none effect, fail, frustrate, bring (come) to nought, [idiom] utterly, make void. See also: Genesis 17:14; Psalms 85:5; Psalms 74:13.
מַ֭חֲשָׁבוֹת
machăshâbâh
H4284
"plot"
N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a plan, device, or invention, which can be either good or bad. It appears in places like 2 Chronicles 2:11 and Esther 8:3, where it is used to describe clever ideas or schemes. The word is associated with creativity and problem-solving.
Definition: 1) thought, device 1a) thought 1b) device, plan, purpose 1c) invention
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: cunning (work), curious work, device(-sed), imagination, invented, means, purpose, thought. See also: Genesis 6:5; Proverbs 19:21; Psalms 33:10.
בְּ/אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Prep | Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
ס֑וֹד
çôwd
H5475
"counsel"
N-ms
This word refers to a council or gathering of people for discussion, and can also mean a secret or intimate conversation with God.
Definition: 1) council, counsel, assembly 1a) council (of familiar conversation) 1a1) divan, circle (of familiar friends) 1a2) assembly, company 1b) counsel 1b1) counsel (itself) 1b2) secret counsel 1b3) familiar converse, intimacy (with God)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: assembly, consel, inward, secret (counsel). See also: Genesis 49:6; Proverbs 3:32; Psalms 25:14.
וּ/בְ/רֹ֖ב
rôb
H7230
"abundance"
Conj | Prep | N-cs
Describes abundance or greatness in the Bible, used to talk about God's power and creation in Psalms and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) multitude, abundance, greatness 1a) multitude 1a1) abundance, abundantly 1a2) numerous 1b) greatness
Usage: Occurs in 145 OT verses. KJV: abundance(-antly), all, [idiom] common (sort), excellent, great(-ly, -ness, number), huge, be increased, long, many, more in number, most, much, multitude, plenty(-ifully), [idiom] very (age). See also: Genesis 16:10; Job 32:7; Psalms 5:8.
יוֹעֲצִ֣ים
yâʻats
H3289
"to advise"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to advise or counsel someone, like giving guidance or planning something. It is used in the Bible to describe people seeking advice or working together to make a plan. The KJV translates it as advise or counsel.
Definition: 1) to advise, consult, give counsel, counsel, purpose, devise, plan 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to advise, counsel, give counsel, consult 1a2) counsellor (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to consult together, exchange counsel, deliberate, counsel together 1c) (Hithpael) to conspire
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: advertise, take advise, advise (well), consult, (give, take) counsel(-lor), determine, devise, guide, purpose. See also: Exodus 18:19; Job 26:3; Psalms 16:7.
תָּקֽוּם
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
Study Notes — Proverbs 15:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 15:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 15:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 15:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 15:22
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 15:22
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 15:22
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 15:22
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 15:22
- Sermons on Proverbs 15:22
Context — A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath
20A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.
21Folly is joy to one who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding walks a straight path.
22Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.
23A man takes joy in a fitting reply— and how good is a timely word! 24The path of life leads upward for the wise, that he may avoid going down to Sheol.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 11:14 | For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance. |
| 2 | Proverbs 20:18 | Set plans by consultation, and wage war under sound guidance. |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 8:6 | For there is a right time and procedure to every purpose, though a man’s misery weighs heavily upon him. |
Proverbs 15:22 Summary
This verse means that when we make plans, it's a good idea to talk to other people and get their advice, because they might see things that we don't, as also seen in Proverbs 11:14. Having many advisers can help us make better decisions and avoid mistakes, and it's also important to seek counsel from God, as mentioned in James 1:5. By seeking counsel, we can make wise decisions and achieve our goals, just like the Israelites did in Exodus 18:13-27 when they sought advice from Jethro.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have many advisers?
Having many advisers means seeking guidance from a variety of people, including those with experience and wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 11:14, which says that where there is no guidance, a nation falls, but in the abundance of counselors there is victory.
Is it always necessary to have many advisers?
While it's not always necessary to have many advisers, Proverbs 15:22 suggests that having multiple people to counsel with can help plans succeed, as also seen in Proverbs 24:6, which says that by wise counsel you can wage your war.
What kind of counsel should I seek?
You should seek counsel from people who are wise and knowledgeable, as mentioned in Proverbs 1:7, which says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, and from people who have experience in the area you are seeking guidance in, such as the apostles in Acts 15:1-35.
How does this verse relate to decision-making in my life?
This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking counsel before making decisions, as also seen in James 1:5, which says that if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I could benefit from seeking counsel from others?
- How can I balance the need for counsel with the need to make decisions and take action?
- What are some ways I can seek counsel from God, as mentioned in James 1:5?
- How can I discern whether the counsel I am receiving is wise and in line with God's will, as seen in Romans 12:2?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 15:22
Without counsel purposes are disappointed,.... If a man determines and resolves upon a matter, and at once hastily and precipitately goes about it, without mature deliberation, without consulting
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 15:22
Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 15:22
Without counsel, when men do not seek or will not receive advice from others in weighty affairs, purposes are disappointed; their designs are ill managed, and succeed accordingly. In the multitude of counsellors, i.e. of wise and good counsellors, for such only deserve that name, they are established, i.e. accomplished and brought to a good issue.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 15:22
Proverbs 15:22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.Ver. 22. Without counsel purposes are disappointed.] The word here rendered "counsel" signifies ‘ secret,’ because counsel should be kept secret; which to signify, the old Romans, as Servius testifieth, built the temple of Consus, their god of counsel, sub tecto in circo, in a public place, but under a covert; and it grew to a proverb, Romani sedendo vincunt; The Romans, by sitting in council, conquer their enemies. But what a strange man was Xerxes, and it prospered with him accordingly, who, in his expedition against Greece, called his princes together, but gave them no freedom of speech nor liberty of counsel! Lest, said he to them, I should seem to follow mine own counsel, I have assembled you: and now, do you remember, that it becomes you rather to obey than to advise. Such another was that James that reigned in Scotland in our Edward IV’ s time. He was too much wedded, saith the historian, to his own opinion, and would not endure any man’ s advice, how good soever, that he fancied not. He would seldom ask counsel, but never follow any. See the note on Proverbs 11:14. Val. Max., lib. ix. cap. 5.
Daniel’ s Hist.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 15:22
Verse 22. But in the multitude of counsellors] See Clarke on Proverbs 11:14. But רב יועצים rob yoatsim might be translated, chief or master of the council, the prime minister.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 15:22
Counsellors - The Hebrew word, used almost as an official title 1 Chronicles 27:32; Isaiah 1:26; Isaiah 19:11, brings before us the picture of the council-chamber of Eastern countries, arranged for a solemn conference of the wise.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 15:22
22. Without counsel — Or, where there is no consultation. The sentiment of this proverb is similar to Proverbs 11:14, (where see note,) but a number of the words are different.
Sermons on Proverbs 15:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Blowing Up Your House by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of analyzing and learning from the stories in the Bible, even those with unhappy endings. He emphasizes the need to seek truth |
|
Fiery Darts of Immorality by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of using sex to communicate the gospel. He mentions a group that taught girls how to use sex to evangelize and shares examples of gi |
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Hearing His Voice Through Others by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of heeding God's voice and applying His word to our lives. It highlights the dangers of ignoring God's voice, leading to various societal issu |
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All Men Are My Teachers by Jack Hyles | Jack Hyles shares a powerful testimony of how the wisdom and encouragement of Dr. Gustave Norling, John R. Rice, and other influential figures in his life shaped his ministry. Thro |
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Theodore Dwight Weld by Charles Finney | Charles Finney writes to Theodore Dwight Weld, expressing the urgency of consulting him regarding a matter with Burchard. Finney emphasizes the importance of their collaboration an |
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The General Conference of 1820 by Nathan Bangs | Nathan Bangs preaches at the General Conference in Baltimore in 1820, where delegates from various conferences gather to address important matters. Bishop McKendree's ill health is |
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Letter. 133. by James Bourne | James Bourne preaches about the importance of heeding the cautions and admonitions in the word of God, emphasizing the consequences of not laying them to heart. Through the eighth |