Proverbs 15:22 (AMP) Where there is no counsel, purposes are frustrated, but with many counselors they are accomplished.
Counsel. Purposes. Frustrated. Counselors. Accomplished. Five key words whose rich meaning is lost without a little digging.
“Counsel” is not the word chose for what you and I might call casual advice. “Deliberation” might be a better word; but also, hidden in the word chosen is the idea of secret, intimate – a close group – the root of the word chosen has the concept of foundation.
“Purposes” includes intricate plans and has built into its root the concept of weaving and the mental effort use of the word is the idea of complex plans that must work together toward a single purpose.
“Frustrated” in some translations renders as “disappointed” has its root in the description of a bullock either breaking out of the pack in wild strength or the fact it has a split hoof. The use of this word conveys more than simple plans gone awry: it includes a violent breaking away from original purpose that the plans are of absolutely no effect – made void; divided in such a way that there is a clean break from the original plan
“Counselors” refers to a group that is known for its advice. Interestingly, a different word in derivation and use from the word “counsel,” this word implies people who are used to the process of deliberation and then giving advice. It is this word, and its derivatives, that is most often used to describe “seers” or people who seek guidance from a “higher power” before rendering advice.
“Accomplished” or “established” or “to be set up and running.” Succeed – would be a good way of describing the result.
- What insights emerge because of the word study?
- How does the story of Rehoboam in I Kings 12 help shape the meaning of this verse?
- Jeremiah 32:17 – 23 records a prayer of Jeremiah – what does it recognize about Divine Counsel and how is that meaningful to you today?
Copyright ©2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
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