A Verse Mapping Bible Study on Proverbs

For a review of the format for our Bible study, check out this post!

Week 2: Proverbs 11:14

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

Scripture Memory

Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. Proverbs 11:14

W n c i, t p f: b i t m o c t i s. Proverbs 11:14

Bible Context

Who?

King Solomon

When?

Early in his reign, after 970 B.C.

Why?

To apply God’s wisdom to daily life.

For whom?

Israelites (The Jewish People).

Word Studies

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

Counsel | תַּחְבֻּלוֹת

taḥbulôṯ

Pronunciation: takh-boo-law'

Definition:

• Direction, counsel, guidance, good advice
• Wise counsel

Also translated:

• Good advice 1x

People | עַם

ʿam

Pronunciation: am

Definition:

• Nation, people
• Kinsmen, kindred

Also translated:

• Nation 17x
• Folk 2x

Fall | נָפַל

nāp̄al

Pronunciation: naw-fal'

Definition:

• To fall, lie, be cast down
• To fall (of violent death)
• To settle, waste away, be inferior to
• To overthrow
• To throw down, knock out

Also translated:

• Fall down 25x
• Cast 18x
• Overthrow 5x
• Rot 3x
• Inferior 2x

Multitude | רֹב

rōḇ

Pronunciation: robe

Definition:

• Multitude, abundance, greatness

Also translated:

• Abundance 35x
• Greatness 8x
• Much 8x
• Plenty 3x

Counsellors | יָעַץ

yāʿaṣ

Pronunciation: yaw-ats'

Definition:

• To advise, consult, give counsel
• To consult together, exchange counsel, deliberate

Also translated:

• Consult 9x
• Advice 2x

Safety | תְּשׁוּעָה

tᵊšûʿâ

Pronunciation: tesh-oo-aw'

Definition:

• Salvation
• Deliverance (usually by God through human agency)

Also translated:

• Salvation 17x
• Deliverance 5x
• Help 5x
• Victory 3x

Paraphrase

Where no [direction, good advice] is, the [nation] [wastes away, is overthrown, is knocked down]: but in the [abundance] of [advising, exchanging counsel] there is [deliverance (by God through human agency)]. 

Bible Cross References

Proverbs 15:22

Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.

Proverbs 20:18

Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.

Proverbs 24:6

For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.

Reflections

About God

Our safety (deliverance) in every situation is ultimately from God: but He uses His word as well as Godly people around us (family, friends, pastors) to speak wise counsel into our lives if we will only pay attention.

About Self

When I refuse to seek or refuse to listen to the counsel of the Bible and advice of Godly people around me, I am heading to my own destruction. If the people around me have differing counsel, it may be a situation requiring more thoughtful prayer and seeking the Lord’s will, rather than rash decisions.

Questions to Ask Myself

• Am I following direction from God through seeking counsel from the Godly influences around me regarding important decisions? Or am I listening to worldly influences…those with no good advice to share?
• Am I seeking wisdom and counsel in His word and through prayer? Am I surrounding myself with Godly people who are also seeking Him?