Proverbs 15:22 - Exposition

Without counsel —where no counsel is— purposes are disappointed ( Proverbs 11:14 ); there can be no concerted action, or the means used are not the best that could be devised. Hesiod, εργ ; 293—

ἐσθλὸς δ αὖ κἀκεῖνος ὃς εὖ εἰπόντι πίθηται

ὃς δὲ κε μήτ αὐτὸς νοέῃ μήτ ἄλλου ἀκούων

ἐν θυμῷ βάλληται ὁ δ αὖτ ἀχρήιος ἀνήρ

(Comp. Proverbs 20:18 .) In the multitude of counsellors they are established ( Proverbs 24:6 ). We read of "counsellors" as almost regular officials in the Hebrew court, as in modern kingdoms (see 1 Chronicles 27:32 ; Isaiah 1:26 ; Micah 4:9 ; comp. Ezra 7:28 ). There is, of course, the danger of secrets being divulged where counsellors are many; and there is Terence's maxim to fear, " Quot heroines, tot sententiae ;" but, properly guarded and discreetly used, good counsel is above all price. Septuagint, "They who honour not councils ( συνέδρια ) lay aside ( ὑπερτίθενται ) conclusions; but in the hearts of those who consult counsel abideth" (compare the parallel clause, Proverbs 19:21 ).