Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 15:22, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellers they are established.
American Standard Version
Where there is no counsel, purposes are disappointed; But in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
World English Bible version
Where there is no counsel, plans fail; but in a multitude of counselors they are established.
Proverbs 15:22 Meaning & Commentary
Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed. – Proverbs 15:22 (ESV)
There is no reason to go through life alone, trying to do everything ourselves. However, the truth is that many people live life this way. The Bible tells us that someone like this ‘breaks out’ against all sound judgment: Proverbs 18:1 – Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. This means that there is no logical reason why someone should live like this – isolating themselves and trying to do life all alone.
When we look at Proverbs 15:22, The Bible tells us that without counsel, plans will fail. When The Bible talks about ‘counsel,’ in this verse, it implies mentors, advisors, or an assembly. So, it is not talking about counselors who sit and listen to our problems. Instead, it is talking about mentors and advisors who can impart wisdom and the ‘know-how’ to us. Remember that one of the ways we grow in wisdom is simply by rubbing shoulders with wise people:
Proverbs 13:20 – Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. When we have the right advisors or counselors around us, we position ourselves for success. For example, look at a highly successful athletes; they never journey alone on their way to success – there is always a team behind them. They might have a coach, a nutritionist, a mental coach, a PR coach, etc. It is the team of advisors around the athlete who play a big part in the success of the individual. We may not be athletes, but we can certainly still learn from this.
There are other people who have already been where we want to go, and by tapping into their wealth of knowledge, experience, and wisdom – we can ‘short-cut’ our path to success. There are no shortcuts to success; however, surrounding ourselves with the right people is an almost guaranteed way to success!
Application
How can we apply Proverbs 15:22 to our lives?
Firstly, we need to know where we want to go in life. This is what is commonly called ‘vision.’ Our vision sets the destination of where we want to go or our desired end result. Every human being should have a positive vision that inspires them. Nobody dreams of accomplishing nothing or ending up a failure in life.
However, our plans and the people we surround ourselves with can make a massive difference in fulfilling our vision. The best kind of counsel to surround ourselves with are people who have succeeded in an area we want to succeed in. For example, if we desire to build a highly successful business, the best mentor would be someone who has already built one or more successful businesses. If we know that our health is not great, and we want to get our health in order, who better than a health coach who is fit, healthy, and eats well?
This is how we should choose our mentors, counselors, or coaches – which are all the same or similar things. Sometimes getting the right mentors, knowledge, or information can cost money. However, it is money well spent. The world has latched onto a truth: “The best investment you can make is in yourself.” There is much truth to this statement, and it is much more Biblical than we might realize: Proverbs 23:23 – Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.
We could interpret this as buying it with time, energy, and effort. However, the point is that if it costs us money to surround ourselves with the right people, knowledge, and insight, it is money well spent! In the digital age that we live in, we have easy access to mentors all over the world. Not only can we find people close to us who can fulfill this role, but we can often connect with mentors, advisors, and wise counsel through the Internet!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank You for the insights You have given us in The Bible. I know that Proverbs 15:22 lays the blueprint for godly success and my plans coming to pass. I ask right now for wisdom to apply this truth in my life. Please bring the right mentors and counsel into my life, which can help me succeed and provide a pathway to my success. I ask this right now in Jesus’ name. Amen!
