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14 When there is no guidance[a] a nation falls,
but there is success[b] in the abundance of counselors.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 11:14 tn The word תַּחְבֻּלוֹת (takhbulot, “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. Proverbs 11:14 tn Heb “victory.” This term תְּשׁוּעָה (teshuʿah) 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.

14 Without guidance, a people will fall,
    but there is victory with many counselors.

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