Lesson 355: Proverbs 11:14
Proverbs 11:14
The Blueprint — The Verse
For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.
Memorization Practice
Click words to hide them and test your memory.
Without looking, enter the book, chapter, and verse for this passage.
Rate your recall:
Scripture quotations marked NIV are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
The Context — The History
Proverbs 11 addresses public life as well as personal virtue. Ancient Israel's leaders made decisions affecting justice, defense, and worship. The proverb teaches humility that wise governance listens to many counselors rather than isolated self-confidence.
The Narrative — The Lead-Up
Surrounding sayings praise integrity, generosity, and prudent speech. Here national stability is tied to guidance: without it peoples fall, yet with an abundance of counselors there is victory, emphasizing collaborative wisdom over rash solitary rule.
The Echo — Follow-on Verses
-
Proverbs 11:13
13A gossip betrays a confidence,but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.
Read the verse immediately before this lesson (Proverbs 11:13) to hear the lead-in to the passage.
-
Proverbs 11:15
15Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer,but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe.
Read the verse immediately after this lesson (Proverbs 11:15) to continue the passage.
Discussion
- When have you benefited from many advisers instead of deciding alone?
- How can churches and families practice humble counsel?
- What is the difference between many advisers and conflicting noise?