Proverbs 8:14
Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.
Proverbs 8:14
This verse personifies Wisdom as saying, “Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.” It emphasizes that wise counsel comes from a reputable, powerful source—Wisdom itself. The claim asserts authority: counsel, wisdom, understanding, and strength are interlinked assets that enable leaders to govern and guide rightly.
The verse acknowledges the sovereignty of wisdom in leadership and decision-making. It hints at God’s own authority as the source of true counsel, a motif picked up in later scriptures where God’s wisdom governs nations (Daniel, Isaiah). It also points to the integrated nature of wisdom: moral discernment (counsel), practical know-how (sound wisdom), comprehension (understanding), and effective power (strength).
Seek and give wise counsel. Before making major decisions, consult trusted mentors, spiritual leaders, or colleagues who demonstrate wisdom. Practical example: in business, craft a decision-making process that includes risk assessment, ethical checks, and feedback loops. For personal life, invite input from diverse voices—family, friends, and faith community—so your choices reflect broad wisdom rather than narrow self-interest.
Cross-References
- Proverbs 11:14
- Proverbs 15:22
- James 1:5
- Isaiah 11:2-3