Best Plans with Others

“²²Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” – Proverbs 15:22 (ESV)

This verse is such a simple one, I have to ask why it is that at times I choose to still make plans on my own. I am the data, thinking, planning type of person and look for inanimate details to make decisions on a regular basis. I research, and review, and map out just about everything until I get to the point that I am in full understanding of the details to make the plans that best fit the situation. Yet, I always seem to miss something and plans go awry.

When I take all that time and effort looking into things, it seems as though I may be missing a piece, discussing and understanding other perspectives. My view is not always the best view. I am only seeing that which I am looking for and neglect to look for those things that may be just outside the circle.

This verse in Proverbs advises to use the counsel of others in order to “succeed”. I have to remember to seek others advice prior to taking action on the plans I have devised. Looking for the counsel of others will have an eye opening effect on the plans and the decisions that are there to be made.

I must also seek the counsel of the right group or people. I have to be sure that I am not just seeking out those that will go along with my plans. I have to seek out those that will. I have to seek out those that are headed the same direction as well as though that are not. The counsel is to gain more perspective and make the plans to succeed, not to complete.

I do not always have to do all that someone asks or advises, they are just counsel. But, I do have to listen and consider the counsel of others and weigh their perspective against the plans to be sure that I am taking the action that has has the best chance of success. And, give credit where it is due and own the error when things don’t go as planned.

The best plans are those that honor and glorify God, and for that to happen I must be plugged into others that have that goal in mind. When I am in alignment with God’s plans, my plans will be a success.

When you look at how you plan, are you going it alone? What if you sought the counsel of others? Wouldn’t you plans be best if worked with counsel and in line with God?