“Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established” (Proverbs 15:22).
The maxim “Two heads are better than one” has been around for centuries and communicates the same wisdom of Solomon when he stated, “in the multitude of counselors there is safety” (Prov. 11:14; 24:6). This proverb states significant truths about the wisdom of brainstorming and problem solving.
First, getting different perspectives (i.e., having a “multitude of counselors”) helps you to get a better view of a matter and may enable you to see things which are in your “blind spot”. Without the wise and honest counsel of others, you may miss some vital information and/or perspective. As one sage observed: “Many eyes see more than one pair does.”
Second, when several wise people reach a consensus in their advice, you need to listen to them. Unfortunately, Solomon’s own son—Rehoboam—provides an infamous example of why this is sound advice. Shortly after King Solomon’s death, his son was approached by a delegation of citizens who requested him to lighten their tax burden. The wise and experienced counselors which had served Solomon advised the newly coronated king to cut their taxes, believing that “then they will be your servants forever” (1 Kings 12:7). Solomon’s foolish son rejected their counsel and pursued a course which resulted in a successful coup that left him with a significantly smaller kingdom.
Seeking counsel is wise. Heeding wise counsel when it is a consensus of several independent and prudent people is also wise.
Excellent advice concerning advice.