July 27 – The Power of Wise Counsel

 

Proverbs 15:22

“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”

SITREP:

When the pressure’s on and time is short, how do you make your call? Some leaders rely on instinct. Others charge ahead solo. But Proverbs 15:22 issues a direct challenge to that mindset: don’t go it alone. Even the strongest commanders, the most seasoned warriors, need trusted voices in the room. This verse isn’t a warning—it’s a strategy. Your plan is only as solid as the wisdom behind it.

King Solomon, who wrote much of Proverbs, led one of Israel’s greatest eras of peace and prosperity. But he also saw the cost of pride and isolation. With access to wealth, power, and unlimited influence, even he knew—without wise counsel, leadership crumbles. This verse is a call to humility in command.

Breaking Down the Verse:

• “Plans fail for lack of counsel…”
– Lone-wolf leadership creates blind spots. You may have vision and drive, but without input, even your best ideas can crash and burn.

• “…but with many advisers they succeed.”
– Strength is found in collaboration. Success comes from gathering insight, experience, and perspective before you execute the mission.

How This Applies to a Soldier’s Faith:

You’ve operated in environments where:

·         Fast calls saved lives.

·         Bad calls created fallout.

You know leadership is about more than confidence—it’s about clarity. And clarity often comes from listening:

·         To your squad’s feedback.

·         To your NCO’s experience.

·         To your chaplain’s wisdom.

·         To God’s voice, through prayer and trusted brothers in faith.

This verse reminds you:

·         Don’t confuse decisiveness with arrogance.

·         Don’t assume rank equals infallibility.

·         And don’t ever lead as if you’ve outgrown the need for counsel.

Whether it’s a combat strategy, a family decision, or a spiritual battle—you need your circle. The right voices in the room can mean the difference between mission failure and victory.

ENDEX:

Proverbs 15:22 is your reminder that wise leadership listens before it leads. The stronger the plan, the stronger the counsel behind it. Don’t mistake silence for strength. Check your circle, seek wisdom, and move forward with the confidence that comes from godly clarity.

AAR:

Are you planning solo when God designed you to plan with others? Proverbs 15:22 cuts straight to the point: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” That’s not just good advice—it’s battlefield doctrine. No mission worth its weight is executed without intel, feedback, and perspective. Lone-wolf decisions might feel efficient, but they’re often blind. God calls you to operate in community—wise, godly community. Your challenge: Before your next big move, seek counsel from two people grounded in truth. Let God use their insight to sharpen your direction.

Smart Warriors Don’t Go In Alone

You can be bold, experienced, and battle-tested—but if you plan in isolation, you're asking for an ambush. Proverbs 15:22 reminds you that strength is multiplied through counsel. Good advisers won’t just tell you what you want to hear—they’ll help you avoid spiritual minefields you didn’t even see coming. This isn’t about second-guessing—it’s about second eyes. You don’t lose leadership by listening—you gain wisdom. The fight ahead is real. Don’t plan it like you’re the only one who’s ever worn armor. Gather your crew. Weigh their wisdom. Then move out with confidence that’s been vetted by godly voices.

Make your voice count—share what you’ve lived.

Share your experiences in the comments below. Your words could encourage someone else walking a similar path.

If you're comfortable, include as much or as little personal detail as you’d like. We suggest:

• Name
• Veteran, Retired, Family Member etc.
• Service Branch
• Years of Service (or Deployment Dates and Locations)

Every story matters—and yours might be exactly what someone else needs to hear.