Successful People and Plans

HIGHLIGHT: Proverbs 15:22 ~ Plans fail for a lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

EXPLAIN: There are plans for plans. Many times we have plans for ourselves and for other people. However, in this proverb, the negative begins to the two phrases. The reality is laid out with out much commentary. Plans fail for a lack of counsel. When there is little input into plans, there is not much output to be expected. However, the writer says that with many advisers they succeed. The question becomes is success seen in the plans, or in the people who are making and executing the plans?

APPLY: What amazes me about proverbs is the wisdom that is contained. That is the whole idea of the book: a dad pouring out wisdom into his son. However, much of the wisdom that is given is: seek other people's thoughts about the best way to live life. This proverb is no different.

Looking at it in small bits, there are plans. People have them: where to go to school, what career path to take, what person to date ~ or should they date at all, where to live, what house/car/toys to buy and so on. Much of our decisions in these most basic of plans are determined on what we want to happen: I want to make this much money, so I need that education to get that job...I want to marry that person, so I need to wear those clothes/that cologne and have that car...etc.

Plans fail, however, because there is a lack of counsel. Counsel means that someone is there giving you the truth: If you want that, this is what must be done. Truth is not always "happy" news, but it is the reality in front of you.

How wild to think that these proverbs are being written from a dad to a son ~ and we all know that typically sons do not want to hear truth from their dads. And yet the dad is saying, listen to the truth from other people. Don't make up your own truth, but listen to people who have broader, deeper perspectives.

When you listen to people, with differing, deepening and broader views, there is a greater chance of success. This may not mean success in your current plan, because you may be too focused on your own "truth" and need to listen to the reality before you.

I would also add that the more we learn to listen to others, gaining that grander view, the more we succeed. Not just me, but we. Relationships are formed, trust is built and lives are lived to the fullest.

RESPONSE: Jesus, may I learn to listen more than I talk. Help me to seek out people with a greater view of who you are and hear the wisdom that pours from their lips.