Proverbs 11:14 Meaning: Fall and safety of guidance

Introduction

Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 11:14, here’s different Bible translations:

King James Version

Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellers there is safety.

American Standard Version

World English Bible version

Proverbs 11:14 Meaning & Commentary

It is so important to do life with other people in your circle. Not only can the right people encourage and motivate us to be better, but they may see something we could miss. They can see our “blind spots.” A blind spot is something you may not be aware of or may not realize could cause you problems. Also, there are many people further along in life than we are. Perhaps not in every area, but certainly in some areas. Connecting with the right people can help accelerate us into success. This is what is commonly called “mentorship.”

These are the sort of people who have been where we are going and can give us pointers along the way. These could be simple things, such as showing us a better way to do something, warning us of pitfalls or dangers, or teaching us from their years of experience in a specific area or field. Having these “counselors” around us gives us safety, as Proverbs 11:14 teaches. We know that The Bible teaches us that rubbing shoulders with like-minded people is beneficial: Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. However, Proverbs 11:14 is talking about just more than friends who sharpen each other. It is talking about people with more experience, more insight, and a different perspective than us

. These people act as counselors in our lives and provide safety, and if we take their advice and counsel, we will put ourselves on the fast track to success. We have heard people who have made mistakes imploring others not to make the same or similar mistakes. A wise person will accept guidance from an abundance of counselors and walk a safe and prosperous road!

Application

How can we practically apply Proverbs 11:14 to our lives?

We see throughout The Bible that we are implored to live life together with one another and appreciate the uniqueness each person has to offer. We are commanded not to neglect to gather together as believers: Hebrews 10:25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

We are taught about the importance of each other and how we collectively make up the body of Christ: 1 Corinthians 12:12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. These scriptures help us recognize how important other people are in our lives! We are told that if someone isolates themselves, they seek their own desire: Proverbs 18:1 Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.

The Bible says they lack all sound judgment, which speaks of common sense and logic. Why would anyone with sound judgment isolate themselves from people who can encourage them, help them, support them, and offer them insight and counsel from life experience? We need to recognize the importance of other people in our lives, find people who have succeeded where we want to, learn from them, and receive guidance. If you want to be a successful musician, who better to take guidance from than a musician? If you want to be a successful businessman, who better to take advice from than a successful businessman? This same principle applies to any field of life.

There is safety in the counsel, guidance, and advice of such people, because they have walked the walk and talked the talk, and wise people will surround themselves with these people and find refuge and safety as they walk their own path!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for highlighting the importance of people in my life, specifically those who have blazed a path I want to walk and can offer me wisdom. Help me surround myself with wise counselors and people I can learn from.

Help me stay humble so I can receive what others have to impart to me and walk a safe path where I will not fail. I pray and ask for Wisdom today to apply the knowledge and understanding that I have. I ask this all in Jesus’ name. Amen!