24.305 | WITHOUT COUNSEL PLANS FAIL | Proverbs 15:22-24 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon

God’s Word For Today

Text: Proverbs 15:22-24 (ESV)

22 Without counsel plans fail,

but with many advisers they succeed.

23 To make an apt answer is a joy to a man,

and a word in season, how good it is!

24 The path of life leads upward for the prudent,

that he may turn away from Sheol beneath.

WITHOUT COUNSEL PLANS FAIL

The benefit of good advice should not be overlooked. Solomon has been emphasizing its importance [ (see Prov 11:14; 12:15; 19:20; 20:18). Making plans rashly or without seeking useful advice from others implies someone has an exalted opinion of himself. Is it possible to know all facets of a situation by himself alone? No. He needs to gain the perspectives of others (Prov 18:17; 27:17). In the Old Testament, Jethro wisely advised Moses to surround himself with "able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place them over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. And let them judge the people at all times" (Ex 18:21–22). In the church, God has gifted us with individuals who can offer sound counsel so the church can succeed in its mission (Rom 12:3–8; 1 Cor 12:4–11; Eph 4:11–14; 1 Pet 4:8–11). If a leader or pastor in the church fails to avail himself of or tap the counsel of gifted members of the congregation, his plans are doomed from the start.

Solomon repeats about the value of well-chosen words (Prov 15:1–2, 4, 7). An appropriate answer delights both the hearer and the speaker, respectively. The emphasis is on especially well-timed words, fitting to the moment at hand. Not only is it joyful for the person who can give such an answer but a blessing to the one who hears. For this to occur, the speaker needs to pursue wisdom (Prov 2:1–7), discernment (Prov 15:14; Hebrews 5:14), and the hearer also be receptive and ready (Prov 5:7; 15:31). Jesus spoke with such wisdom that even the officers of the chief priests and Pharisees admitted, "No one ever spoke like this man" (John 7:46). Our answers and words should bring encouragement to those who ask for a reason for our hope in Christ (1 Pet 3:15).

Again, Solomon reiterated that the upright is traveling an upward path. This metaphor is common in the Old Testament and refers to "the path of life." Solomon also adds that wise persons (Proverbs 1:7) are turning away from Sheol. This term refers to the realm of the dead. All who trust in Jesus as Savior are on this path (Mat 7:13–14; John 14:6). Whoever receives the gospel and believes on Jesus Christ passes from death unto life.[John 5:24] He escapes the sentence of eternal punishment and is bound for heaven. Paul states, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." [Rom 8:1]

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