Proverbs 20:18

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

Cross-reference

Proverbs 24:6 repeats the exact phrase 'by wise guidance wage war' and adds victory through many counselors.

Proverbs 15:22 reinforces that plans fail without counsel but succeed with many advisers—the same principle of establishing plans.

Proverbs 13:10 Related theme

Proverbs 13:10 states that taking advice brings wisdom, a parallel proverb reinforcing the value of counsel.

Proverbs 25:8 warns against hasty legal action—a specific application of seeking counsel before conflict.

Luke 14:31 Parallel

In Luke 14:31, Jesus illustrates prudent planning before war — directly parallels the proverb's call for counsel.

In Judges 20:18, Israel inquires of God before battle — a direct application of the proverb's counsel before war.

In Judges 20:23, after defeat, Israel again inquires of the Lord — another instance of seeking guidance before continuing war.

In Judges 20:26-28, Israel fasts and inquires again, receiving a promise of victory — consistent with the wisdom of seeking counsel.

In 2 Chronicles 25:17-23, Amaziah ignores a prophet's warning and is defeated — a stark contrast to heeding wise counsel.

1 Kings 1:12 has Nathan giving counsel to save lives, directly exemplifying the wisdom of seeking advice before action.

2 Chronicles 32:3 describes Hezekiah taking counsel with officers for military defense, perfectly matching the war counsel theme.

1 Kings 20:22 has a prophet advising the king to prepare for war, a direct illustration of wise guidance for warfare.

Joshua 7:2 Contrast

In Joshua 7:2, Israel sends spies without consulting God, leading to defeat — a negative example of acting without counsel.

In Joshua 22:13, Israel first sends Phinehas to investigate before war — a positive example of seeking wise counsel.

Judges 1:2 Historical context

Judges 1:2 shows God's specific battle guidance, illustrating how counsel leads to victory as Proverbs advises.

Judges 1:1 Historical context

In Judges 1:1, Israel inquires of the LORD before war—a narrative example of seeking wise guidance before battle.

Judges 9:29 Contrast

In Judges 9:29, Gaal boasts recklessly without counsel—a contrast to the wisdom of planning before war.