We want to seek the advice of those who have the proper attitude of meekness and who operate according to the wisdom that is from above. They are those with whom we can collaborate. They will help guide us safely through the challenges of this world.

The book of Proverbs teaches us about wisdom, applying it to a variety of situations in the Christian life. In this article, we will think specifically about the Holy Spirit’s declaration that “in an abundance of counselors there is safety” (Prov. 11:14).

Proverbs 11:14 comes in a context of verses describing the impact that wisdom has on the life of the community. Verses 10–11 remind us that the righteous and upright are always a blessing to the community. Verses 12–13 teach us that sometimes even our silence benefits those around us. We are instructed that we must not belittle our neighbors or betray their confidences. Clearly, Christians must remain silent at times to do good to our neighbors.

But then in verse 14, we are reminded that sometimes we need to speak for our neighbors’ good. This verse begins by describing a community crisis: “Where there is no guidance, a people falls.” The Hebrew word for “guidance” probably has its origin in a term for pulling a rope to steer a ship. If you read accounts of old naval battles, sometimes you read about a ship’s sailing ropes being shot away. If a ship lost the ropes that controlled the sails or the ropes that attached the wheel to the rudder, the ship was left without the ability to steer. When that happened, the ship would be dead in the water. Such a ship was powerless against the attacks of enemies and the movements of the sea. The beginning of Proverbs 11:14 describes a people facing this kind of danger. They are unable to guide themselves, and without guidance, a fall will inevitably follow.

This passage not only gives a warning but also provides hope. Verse 14 goes on to tell us that guidance can be found to lead to safety. The word that we translate as “safety” has the sense of “deliverance” or “helping those who are in trouble.” Therefore, God’s Word is telling us that while the lack of guidance will certainly lead to a fall, people can find a path that leads to deliverance. The way to find safety is in “an abundance of counselors.”

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