Proverbs 11:14

14 Where there is ¹no guidance, a people falls, ²but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.

Proverbs 11:14 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 11:14

Where no counsel [is], the people fall
Where there is no wise and prudent, sound and good counsel, as the word signifies; where that is not, there had as good be none, or better; a people, a kingdom, a commonwealth, nation, or city, fall into ruin and destruction, or into schemes which bring them to it; they are like a ship without a pilot, or without a helm, or one to steer it: the Targum, Syriac, and Vulgate Latin versions, render it,

``where there is no governor;''

and the Arabic version,

``they that have no providence (or forecast) fall as a leaf falls;''

and so the Septuagint version,

``they that have no government fall as leaves,''

as leaves fall in autumn; and the word signifies the helm of government {o}, in allusion to a ship; but in the multitude of counsellors [there is] safety;
because what one may miss another may hit upon; and, if they agree in their advice, it may be the more depended upon; and, if not, yet their different sentiments being compared together, and the reasons of them, a person may the better judge which is best to follow, and what is fit to be done: it may be rendered, "in the greatness" or "largeness of a counsellor" ^F16, for the word is in the singular number; that is, in the large capacity or endowments of a counsellor; in one that is abundantly qualified for a counsellor; whose abilities are not to be questioned; in the advice of such an one a man may safely confide; and who that answers to this character as Jesus Christ, the wonderful Counsellor? in whose counsel we may rest with the greatest safety; and which may be found in his word, in the Scriptures, which David says should be the men of his counsel, ( Psalms 119:24 ) ; see ( Isaiah 9:6 ) ( 28:29 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F15 (twlbxt) "gubernationes", Schultens.
F16 (Uewy brb) "in amplitudine consiliarii", Junius & Tremellius.

Proverbs 11:14 In-Context

12 Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.

13 Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.

14 Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.

15 Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer harm, but he who hates striking hands in pledge is secure.

16 A gracious woman gets honor, and violent men get riches.

Cross References

• 1. 11:14 ch. 15:22; 20:18; 24:6
• 2. 11:14 ch. 15:22; 20:18; 24:6