Today I read Proverbs 24:6:
…for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.
A few weeks ago I wrote about Proverbs 14:23:
In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.
While I was mowing my yard I began to think about the relationship between the two ideas. One is that any action is better than none, the other is that well advised action is more likely to succeed.
I thought that in the military setting mentioned, the meaning of 24:6 is clear. If you have help from people who understand the terrain, the weapons in use, and the other military then your victory (or quick surrender) are more likely to succeed. If you read your Von Clauswitz and Sun Tzu, you’ll be more likely to succeed. If you’re a martial artist, but you only know boxing and a jiu-jitsu guy gets a grip on you, have a nice nap. But if you’ve learned from both styles, then your chances of success increase.
In a ministry setting it makes sense to have many counselors too:
- The whole range of Scripture
- A network of wise men and women upon whom to rely for advice
- Knowledge of local experts in psychology and family doctors to recommend to the sick (people often go to their pastor for very random advice)
- Books on theology and bible commentaries to help you answer hard questions
- Books on philosophy and reasoning to help you solve problems
- Books on leadership and business to help you do the same.
But all that talk, the other Proverb says, is meaningless if it does not lead to action. Imagine a military leader drawing up strategies while his compound is being breached!
Any other counselors or sources of wisdom for ministers? How about for those who are not preachers or Bible teachers? What counselors could help bring them victory?
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