Proverbs 20:18
Proverbs 20:18 in Multiple Translations
Set plans by consultation, and wage war under sound guidance.
Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.
Every purpose is established by counsel; And by wise guidance make thou war.
Every purpose is put into effect by wise help: and by wise guiding make war.
With sound advice, plans are successful; if you're going to war, make sure you have good guidance.
Establish the thoughtes by counsell: and by counsell make warre.
Purposes by counsel thou dost establish, And with plans make thou war.
Plans are established by advice; by wise guidance you wage war!
Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.
Designs are strengthened by counsels: and wars are to be managed by governments.
When people give you good advice, if you do what they suggest, your plans will succeed; so be sure to get good advice from wise people before you start fighting a war.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 20:18
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 20:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מַ֭חֲשָׁבוֹת
בְּ/עֵצָ֣ה
תִכּ֑וֹן
וּ֝/בְ/תַחְבֻּל֗וֹת
עֲשֵׂ֣ה
מִלְחָמָֽה
מַ֭חֲשָׁבוֹת
machăshâbâh
H4284
plot
N-fp
בְּ/עֵצָ֣ה
ʻêtsâh
H6098
counsel
Prep | N-fs
תִכּ֑וֹן
kûwn
H3559
to establish
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
וּ֝/בְ/תַחְבֻּל֗וֹת
tachbulâh
H8458
counsel
Conj | Prep | N-fp
עֲשֵׂ֣ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
מִלְחָמָֽה
milchâmâh
H4421
battle
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 20:18
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/עֵצָ֣ה
ʻêtsâh
H6098
"counsel"
Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word means counsel or advice, implying a plan or purpose. It is used in the Bible when describing wise decision-making.
Definition: counsel, advice, purpose
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: advice, advisement, counsel(l-(or)), purpose. See also: Deuteronomy 32:28; Psalms 107:11; Psalms 1:1.
תִכּ֑וֹן
kûwn
H3559
"to establish"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
This verb means to set something up or establish it, like setting up a tent or appointing someone to a position, as seen in Isaiah 7:14.
Definition: : prepare/direct 1) to be firm, be stable, be established 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be set up, be established, be fixed 1a1a) to be firmly established 1a1b) to be established, be stable, be secure, be enduring 1a1c) to be fixed, be securely determined 1a2) to be directed aright, be fixed aright, be steadfast (moral sense) 1a3) to prepare, be ready 1a4) to be prepared, be arranged, be settled 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to establish, set up, accomplish, do, make firm 1b2) to fix, make ready, prepare, provide, provide for, furnish 1b3) to direct toward (moral sense) 1b4) to arrange, order 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be established, be fastened 1c2) to be prepared, be ready 1d) (Polel) 1d1) to set up, establish 1d2) to constitute, make 1d3) to fix 1d4) to direct 1e) (Pulal) to be established, be prepared 1f) (Hithpolel) to be established, be restored
Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable, (e-) stablish, stand, tarry, [idiom] very deed. See also: Genesis 41:32; Job 18:12; Psalms 5:10.
וּ֝/בְ/תַחְבֻּל֗וֹת
tachbulâh
H8458
"counsel"
Conj | Prep | N-fp
The Hebrew word for guidance or plan, often referring to good advice or wise counsel, as seen in the book of Proverbs. It involves steering or managing a situation. This concept is important in biblical decision-making.
Definition: 1) direction, counsel, guidance, good advice, (wise) counsel 1a) direction, guidance 1b) counsel 1b1) good or wise counsel 1b2) of the wicked
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: good advice, (wise) counsels. See also: Job 37:12; Proverbs 12:5; Proverbs 1:5.
עֲשֵׂ֣ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
מִלְחָמָֽה
milchâmâh
H4421
"battle"
N-fs
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Definition: battle, war
Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.
Study Notes — Proverbs 20:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 20:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 20:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 20:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 20:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 20:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 20:18
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 20:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 20:18
- Sermons on Proverbs 20:18
Context — Wine Is a Mocker
16Take the garment of the one who posts security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for a foreigner.
17Food gained by fraud is sweet to a man, but later his mouth is full of gravel.
18Set plans by consultation, and wage war under sound guidance.
19He who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid the one who babbles with his lips. 20Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be extinguished in deepest darkness.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 24:6 | Only with sound guidance should you wage war, and victory lies in a multitude of counselors. |
| 2 | Luke 14:31 | 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? |
| 3 | Proverbs 15:22 | Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. |
| 4 | Judges 1:1–2 | After the death of Joshua, the Israelites inquired of the LORD, “Who will be the first to go up and fight for us against the Canaanites?” “Judah shall go up,” answered the LORD. “Indeed, I have delivered the land into their hands.” |
| 5 | Proverbs 11:14 | For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance. |
| 6 | Judges 20:18 | The Israelites set out, went up to Bethel, and inquired of God, “Who of us shall go up first to fight against the Benjamites?” “Judah will be first,” the LORD replied. |
| 7 | 2 Samuel 2:26–27 | Then Abner called out to Joab: “Must the sword devour forever? Do you not realize that this will only end in bitterness? How long before you tell the troops to stop pursuing their brothers?” “As surely as God lives,” Joab replied, “if you had not spoken up, the troops would have continued pursuing their brothers until morning.” |
| 8 | Judges 20:7 | Behold, all you Israelites, give your advice and verdict here and now.” |
| 9 | Judges 9:29 | If only this people were under my authority, I would remove Abimelech; I would say to him, ‘Muster your army and come out!’” |
| 10 | 2 Chronicles 25:17–23 | Then Amaziah king of Judah took counsel and sent word to the king of Israel Jehoash son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu. “Come, let us meet face to face,” he said. But Jehoash king of Israel replied to Amaziah king of Judah: “A thistle in Lebanon sent a message to a cedar in Lebanon, saying, ‘Give your daughter to my son in marriage.’ Then a wild beast in Lebanon came along and trampled the thistle. You have said, ‘Look, I have defeated Edom,’ and your heart has become proud and boastful. Now stay at home. Why should you stir up trouble so that you fall—you and Judah with you?” But Amaziah would not listen, for this had come from God in order to deliver them into the hand of Jehoash, because they had sought the gods of Edom. So Jehoash king of Israel advanced, and he and Amaziah king of Judah faced each other at Beth-shemesh in Judah. And Judah was routed before Israel, and every man fled to his own home. There at Beth-shemesh, Jehoash king of Israel captured Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Joash, the son of Jehoahaz. Then Jehoash brought him to Jerusalem and broke down the wall of Jerusalem from the Ephraim Gate to the Corner Gate—a section of four hundred cubits. |
Proverbs 20:18 Summary
This verse reminds us that making plans and decisions is important, but we should not do it alone. We need to talk to others, seek their advice, and consider their thoughts before making a decision, especially in difficult or challenging situations. This is because God's Word says that where there is no guidance, a nation falls, but in the abundance of counselors there is victory (Proverbs 11:14). By seeking sound guidance, we can make wise decisions and navigate difficult situations with confidence, just like the Bible teaches us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to set plans by consultation?
This means to make decisions after discussing and seeking input from others, 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.
Why is sound guidance important in times of war?
Sound guidance is crucial in times of conflict because it helps us navigate difficult situations wisely, as mentioned in Proverbs 24:6, which states that by wise counsel you will wage your own war.
Can this verse be applied to spiritual warfare?
Yes, this verse can be applied to spiritual warfare, as seen in Ephesians 6:12, which reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil, and we need sound guidance from God's Word to wage this war effectively.
How does this verse relate to the concept of unity and teamwork?
This verse highlights the importance of unity and teamwork, as seen in Psalm 133:1, which says that how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity, and when we work together and seek each other's counsel, we can accomplish great things for God's glory.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek consultation and sound guidance before making decisions?
- How can I apply the principle of seeking wise counsel in my daily life, especially in times of conflict or uncertainty?
- What are some ways I can surround myself with wise and godly counselors who can provide sound guidance?
- How can I balance the need for consultation with the need for decisive action, especially in situations where time is of the essence?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 20:18
[Every] purpose is established by counsel,.... Or "the thought" (f) of a man, everyone of them, what he has thought to do, formed a scheme of in his mind, and resolved upon, by taking advice of his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 20:18
Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war. And with good advice make war - for victory is more often obtained by skill than by strength.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 20:18
Every purpose is established by counsel; the way to bring our purposes and desires to a good effect, is to manage them with serious consideration and good advice. And; or, therefore. This is necessary in every common undertaking, and much more in a thing of such high importance as war is.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 20:18
Proverbs 20:18 [Every] purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.Ver. 18. Every purpose is established by counsel.] That thy proceedings be not either unconstant or uncomfortable, deliberate long ere thou resolve on any enterprise. Advise with God especially, who hath said, "Woe be to the rebellious children that take counsel, but not of me." David had able counsellors about him: but those he most esteemed and made use of were God’ s testimonies. "Thy testimonies also are my delight, and the men of my counsel." Princes had learned men ever with them, called Mνημονες, remembrancers, monitors, counsellors; as Themistocles had his Anaxagoras; Alexander his Aristotle; Scipio his Panaetius and Polybius: of which latter Pausanias testifieth, that he was so great a politician, that what he advised never miscarried. But that is very remarkable that Gellius reports of Scipio Africanus, that it was his custom before day to go into the capital in cellam Iovis , and there to stay a great while, quasi consultans de Rep cum Iove, as if he were there advising with his god concerning the commonwealth. Whence it was that his deeds were pleraque admiranda, admirable for the most part, saith the author. But we have a better example. David in all his straits went to ask counsel of the Lord, who answered him. Do we so, and God will not fail us, for he hath made Christ wisdom unto us, and a "wonderful counsellor." And with good advice make war.] Ahab in this might have been a precedent to good Josiah. He would not go against Ramothgilead, till he had first advised with his false prophets.
But that other peerless prince, though the famous prophet Jeremiah was then living, and Zephaniah, and a whole college of seers, yet he doth not so much as once send out of doors to ask, Shall I go up against the king of Egypt? Sometimes both grace and wit are asleep in the holiest and wariest breasts. The soldiers’ rule among the Romans was, Non sequi, non fugere bellum. Neither to fly, nor to follow after war. The Christian motto is, Nec temere nec timide, Be neither temerarious nor timorous. And that is a very true saying of the Greek poet, “ηβραδυπουςβουλημεναμεινων: ηδεπαχειααι Aιενεφελκουενηενηντηνμετανοιανεχει.” - Lucian. Deliberandum est diu quod statuendum est semel. Pausan, lib. viii. Gell, lib. vii. Veget., lib. i. c. 17.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 20:18
Verse 18. With good advice make war,] Perhaps there is not a precept in this whole book so little regarded as this. Most of the wars that are undertaken are wars of injustice, ambition, aggrandizement, and caprice, which can have had no previous good counsel. A minister, who is perhaps neither a good nor a great man, counsels his king to make war; the cabinet must be brought into it, and a sufficient number out of the states of the kingdom gained over to support it. By and by, what was begun through caprice must be maintained through necessity. Places must be created, and offices must be filled with needy dependents, whose interest it may be to protract the war, till they get enough to pay their debts, and secure independence for life. And for these most important ends the blood of the country is spilled, and the treasures of the people exhausted! I have met with a fact precisely of this kind under the reign of Louis XIV.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 20:18
18. with good advice] or, by wise guidance, R.V., make war. Comp. Luke 14:31-32.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 20:18
18. Every purpose, etc. — Or, thou shall establish purposes, plans, enterprises, etc., by counsel — thus thou shall make them sure and successful.
Sermons on Proverbs 20:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Sanctification -- When It Is -- Our Standards by J.H. Collins | J.H. Collins preaches on the concept of entire sanctification, emphasizing the need for believers to cleanse themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, striving for ho |
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The Call of God - Part 2 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of doing the will of God and renouncing the desires and ambitions of the world. He highlights that the world and its temporary |
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Consider Before You Fight by C.H. Spurgeon | The sermon transcript discusses the power of God and His ability to control and manipulate nature. It references biblical stories such as the flood and the parting of the Red Sea t |
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The Fourfold Purpose of the Gospel by Jeff Rose | This sermon emphasizes the importance of proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ without compromise, highlighting the need to return to the true gospel message, the resistance faced |
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Still a Great Way Off (Gospel) by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on two snippets from the parables in Luke chapters 14 and 15. The first snippet is about counting the costs before deciding to become a Christi |
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Cd Gv278 Leaders Breakfast, Kathmandu 85 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of building relationships in God's work. He shares the example of his own ministry, which took 13 years of building relationsh |
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The Biblical Evangelism of the Westminster Confession #2 by Ernest C. Reisinger | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of addressing the needs of the audience and applying the teachings of the Bible to their lives. He emphasizes the necessity of |