Proverbs 20:18 - Exposition

Every purpose is established by counsel (comp. Proverbs 15:22 , where see note). The Talmud says, "Even the most prudent of men needs friends' counsels;" and none but the most conceited would deem himself superior to advice, or would fail to allow that, as the Vulgate puts it, cogitationes consillis roborantur. This is true in all relations of life, in great and small matters alike, in peace, and, as our moralist adds, in war. With good advice make war; Vulgate, Gubernaculis tractanda sunt bella ; Revised Version, By wise guidance make thou war . The word here used is takebuloth, for which see note, Proverbs 1:5 . It is a maritime metaphor, rightly retained by the Vulgate, and might be rendered "pilotings," "steerings." War is a necessary evil, but it must be undertaken prudently and with a due consideration of circumstances, means, etc. Our Lord illustrates the necessity of due circumspection in following him by the case of a threatened conflict between two contending kings ( Luke 14:31 , etc.). Grotius quotes the gnome—

γνῶμαι πλέον κρατοῦσιν ἢ σθένος χερῶν .

"Titan strength of hands availeth counsel more."

To which we may add—

βουλῆς γὰρ ὀρθῆς οὐδὲν ἀσφαλέστερον .

"Good counsel is the safest thing of all."

(Comp. Proverbs 24:6 , where the hemistich is re-echoed.)