THE SECURITY OF COUNSEL

Proverbs 15.22
THE SECURITY OF COUNSEL
"Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." (v.22)

THERE ARE ALWAYS TWO SIDES TO LIFE. A proverb may capture and encapsulate one side of it. For example, "Too many cooks spoil the soup." It is true, but so is "Many hands make light work." A committee is sometimes a troublesome body. Too many minds, too many views, no consensus. As a result, little work gets done.

However, the reverse may also be true. With many minds, many views, an issue is seen from different angles, and discussed thoroughly. Plans of action thus made are more likely to succeed. Solomon advises against a foolhardy, blinkered plunge into action. It may be a sign of immaturity. Some people will not seek advice because they are afraid of differing opinions. And they fear them because they feel threatened when their course of action is questioned.

Proverbs impresses upon us, in several places, the importance of seeking counsel. Probably drawing from his experience as a king, Solomon says: "For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure" (11.14). "Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance" (20.18). "A wise man has great power...for waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisers" (24.5-6).

The context is that of an imminent declaration of war. It is undoubtedly no small matter, for the king has to consult with his generals, admirals, defence minister and so on. No king will declare war, or make other important decisions without first consulting with his advisers. It is extremely important then that he surrounds himself with wise advisers.

In a September 1989 issue of Newsweek, Lee Kuan Yew, the Prime Minister of Singapore since 1959, was asked to assess his own leadership. He replied that the lesson he learnt was to surround himself with "good, strong men." He said, "The stronger the men around me, the abler they are and the more expertise they bring along with them, the more likely I am to resolve the problems that confront me....To be able to use other people's strength — that's the heart of leadership."

We may not be a king or a prime minister. But the wisdom of cultivating a few mentors or counsellors, and seeking their counsel in times of decision — is one of life's most important investments.

Do I have a mentor or counsellor?