Proverbs 20:18 Meaning and Explanation
“Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Plans are solidified through discussion and consultation, including military strategy.
The Context of Proverbs 20:18
Proverbs emphasizes the indispensability of seeking wisdom from others before acting.
What Does Proverbs 20:18 Mean?
Before committing to a purpose—whether in business, personal life, or warfare—one should seek counsel from others. Discussing a plan with wise advisors strengthens it, reveals weaknesses, and brings alternative perspectives. Counsel acts as a means of establishing or confirming a purpose; it moves a plan from tentative idea to solid foundation.
Even in war—the highest stakes for action and the domain where a single leader might claim sole authority—good advice proves essential. A successful military campaign requires consultation with experienced strategists. The proverb suggests that even in war, the wise leader gathers counsel rather than acting on impulse or personal conviction alone.
Proverbs 20:18 in the Original Language
'Established' (כּוּן, kun) — to set up firmly, to make secure or certain.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 20:18
What does Proverbs 20:18 mean?
Plans are solidified through discussion and consultation, including military strategy.
What is the context of Proverbs 20:18?
Proverbs emphasizes the indispensability of seeking wisdom from others before acting.