Proverbs 11:14

When there is no guidance ¹  a nation falls, but there is success ²  in the abundance of counselors.

For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.

Where there is no guidance the people fall, But in abundance of counselors there is victory.

Without wise leadership, a nation falls; with many counselors, there is safety.

Without good direction, people lose their way; the more wise counsel you follow, the better your chances.

When there is no helping suggestion the people will have a fall, but with a number of wise guides they will be safe.

Where there is no guidance, a nation falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.

Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.

When there is no guidance ¹  a nation falls, but there is success ²  in the abundance of counselors.

¹ tn The word תַּחְבֻּלוֹת (takhvulot, “guidance; direction”) is derived from the root I חָבַל (khaval, “rope-pulling” and “steering” or “directing” a ship; BDB 286 s.v.). Thus spiritual guidance is like steering a ship, here the ship of state (R. N. Whybray, Proverbs [CBC], 68; Prov 1:5). Advice is necessary for the success of a nation.

² tn Heb “victory.” This term תְּשׁוּעָה (teshu’ah) means “salvation” or “victory” (BDB 448 s.v.); cf. NAB, TEV “security”; NRSV, NLT “safety.” Here, it connotes “success” as the antithesis of the nation falling. The setting could be one of battle or economics. Victory or success will be more likely with good advice. This assumes that the counselors are wise.