Without counsel—where no counsel is—purposes are disappointed (Proverbs 11:14); there can be no concerted action, or the means used are not the best that could be devised. Hesiod, εργ; 293—
ἐσθλὸς δ αὖ κἀκεῖνος ὃς εὖ εἰπόντι πίθηται
ὃς δὲ κε μήτ αὐτὸς νοέῃ μήτ ἄλλου ἀκούων
ἐν θυμῷ βάλληται ὁ δ αὖτ ἀχρήιος ἀνήρ
(Comp. Proverbs 20:18.) In the multitude of counsellors they are established (Proverbs 24:6). We read of "counsellors" as almost regular officials in the Hebrew court, as in modern kingdoms (see 1 Chronicles 27:32; Isaiah 1:26; Micah 4:9; comp. Ezra 7:28). There is, of course, the danger of secrets being divulged where counsellors are many; and there is Terence's maxim to fear, "Quot heroines, tot sententiae;" but, properly guarded and discreetly used, good counsel is above all price. Septuagint, "They who honour not councils ( συνέδρια) lay aside ( ὑπερτίθενται) conclusions; but in the hearts of those who consult counsel abideth" (compare the parallel clause, Proverbs 19:21).